Foreign object damage protection device and system for aircraft

In an aircraft having a windscreen and an engine, a foreign object damage protection system for protecting the aircraft from damage by a foreign object, the foreign object protection system comprising:

• a sensor for detecting a foreign object, the sensor being attached to the aircraft;
• a reservoir contained within the aircraft;
• a liquid contained in the reservoir;
• a means for pressurizing the reservoir;
• a means for dispensing the liquid, the means for dispensing the liquid in liquid communication with the reservoir;
• and
• a control unit in communication with the sensor, the reservoir, and the means for dispensing the liquid, the control unit further comprising a means for activating the foreign object protection system;
• whereby after the foreign object protection system has been activated, and a foreign object is detected by the sensor, the control unit causes the liquid to be dispensed through the means for dispensing into the flight path of the aircraft and towards the foreign object.

In an aircraft, a foreign object damage protection system for detecting a foreign object within the flight path of the aircraft, the system comprising:

• a sensor for detecting the foreign object, the sensor attached to the aircraft;
• a reservoir within the aircraft;
• a liquid contained in the reservoir;
• a means for pressurizing the reservoir;
• a plurality of nozzles for dispensing the liquid, the nozzles being in liquid communication with the reservoir;
• and
• a control unit in communication with the sensor, the reservoir, and the nozzles;
• whereby when the foreign object is detected by the sensor, the control unit causes the liquid to be dispensed from the reservoir through the nozzles into the flight path of the aircraft and towards the foreign object.