A STUDY of various stopping methods indicated, it is explained, that reverse thrust would have to be developed for jet engines if jet transports are to have satisfactory operational flexibility. Requirements for reverse thrust are, therefore, discussed in this paper.
Primary reverser-design objectives are inherent safety and reliability, stopping comparable to present-day equipment, lack of effect on engine operation, and need for ground-run control only. The author shows that a jet transport using reverse thrust has a stopping distance on smooth ice consistent with a dry-runway brakes-alone stop.
The effects of reverser malfunctions on air-plane flying characteristics are compared to the effects of reversible-propeller malfunctions.