Foreign object debris barrier for runways

Abstract

A collapsible runway side barrier for preventing foreign object debris (FOD) from entering a runway and taxiway is disclosed. The barrier may have an aerodynamic profile, one side of the barrier profile may be convex and the other side of the barrier profile may be concave. The side barrier may further have ground attachment elements and may be constructed to collapse if the landing wheels of an aircraft impact the barrier.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A collapsible runway side barrier for preventing foreign object debris (FOD) from entering a runway or taxiway, wherein side barrier has an aerodynamic profile; wherein one side of the barrier is convex while another side is concave; wherein the barrier is made of a rigid material and constructed to crush under pressure of an aircraft landing wheel. 
     
     
         2 . The barrier as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one row of ground attachment items. 
     
     
         3 . The barrier as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the rigid material is selected from a group comprising metal and recycled rubber. 
     
     
         4 . The barrier as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the metal is sheet metal. 
     
     
         5 . The barrier as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the metal is perforated metal. 
     
     
         6 . The barrier as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the metal is selected from a group comprising steel and aluminum. 
     
     
         5 . The barrier as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising an actuator for varying the height of the barrier. 
     
     
         6 . The barrier as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the actuator comprises one of: a screw and nut arrangement and a strut with a telescopic arm. 
     
     
         7 . The barrier as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the actuator is remotely controllable from a control tower. 
     
     
         8 . The barrier as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the barrier profile comprises at least one opening defined by a concave side of the barrier adapted to retain said foreign object debris. 
     
     
         9 . The barrier as claimed in  claim 2 , further comprising drainage channels disposed between the ground attachment items. 
     
     
         10 . The barrier as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising support elements for a row of landing lights disposed along the length thereof; and wherein the profile of said barrier is shaped to create a protective space to accommodate an electric cable providing power to the landing lights.