Regarding the inertial separators
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Hello,
after reading the manual and seeing the engine visualizer, I have a question regarding these. In normal configuration turboprops, indeed when taxiing on unprepared surfaces, you increase the risk of particles entering the engine. However, since the Starship air intakes are located way behind and above the leading edges of the wings, isn't there basically no threat of particle ingestion other than rain and other forms of precipitation? And maybe also shed ice from the leading edges? Contrary to the manual and visualizer?
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For pusher aircraft, the risk from unprepared surfaces would be to the props. Although in Starship's case, the main landing gear is spaced farther apart than the props, so perhaps it's not as bad. Maybe instead of inertial separators we should get mud flaps.
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Good point that the risk of ground FOD is pretty low compared to if the engines were conventionally mounted. I wonder if Nick models a lower rate of wear when operating without the separators compared to the TBM / King Air / Turbine Duke.
OTOH the inertial seperators don’t really have a downside when on the ground unless you’re very performance limited on takeoff. I’m certain an owner-operator, or your boss if you’re flying his plane, would want to take every precaution possible to avoid a six-figure repair bill.
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Good point that the risk of ground FOD is pretty low compared to if the engines were conventionally mounted. I wonder if Nick models a lower rate of wear when operating without the separators compared to the TBM / King Air / Turbine Duke.
OTOH the inertial seperators don’t really have a downside when on the ground unless you’re very performance limited on takeoff. I’m certain an owner-operator, or your boss if you’re flying his plane, would want to take every precaution possible to avoid a six-figure repair bill.
@intjmastermind said in Regarding the inertial separators:
I wonder if Nick models a lower rate of wear when operating without the separators compared to the TBM / King Air / Turbine Duke.
I do now
