INCREASING importance of the thrust reverser for ground-roll reduction, for dive brake and landing approach applications, or both, led to this NACA survey of design and performance potentialities of the more promising types.
Target- and cascade-type devices were judged with an eye to reliability, simplicity, speed, minimum weight, lack of effect on engine performance and control forces, low external and internal drag when out of use, fail-safe characteristics, and a minimum of 40% effectiveness.
The authors show that reversals up to 80% can be achieved under certain conditions.