Bird strikes can be deadly, so why aren't jet engines ever shielded in the front?
With around 14,000 bird strikes reported annually in the U.S. alone, it's natural to wonder why jet engines don't have protective grates at the front to keep birds out.
After all, birds being sucked into engines during takeoff or landing can cause serious - sometimes catastrophic damage.
So why not just add a shield? The short answer: it would create more problems than it solves.
As explained in a video by aviation YouTube channel 74 Gear, installing grates in front of engines could severely disrupt airflow. Jet engines are designed for maximum efficiency, and obstructing the air intake would compromise performance, reduce thrust, and risk engine failure - all worse than the occasional bird strike. Instead, aviation safety relies heavily on airport-based prevention systems and rigorous engine testing standards, including making sure engines can safely shut down or even survive ingesting a bird. It's a calculated risk - and one modern engineering and aviation planning works hard to manage safely.