Definition
A type of jet engine thrust reverser that redirects the engine's exhaust gases forward by deploying blocker doors and deflector vanes into the exhaust stream after the gases have left the engine core. The redirected exhaust creates a forward-flowing jet that opposes the aircraft's motion, producing reverse thrust to slow the aircraft during landing rollout.
Plain English
A system on a jet engine that, after landing, swings panels into the exhaust to bounce the hot gases forward instead of backward. Pushing the exhaust forward pushes the airplane backward, helping it slow down on the runway.
Context Anchor
Seen in turbine-engine aircraft systems, especially when learning how thrust reversers help reduce landing roll after touchdown.
Derivation
Aerodynamic' refers to forces created by moving air or gas. 'Blockage' means physically getting in the way of something. So an 'aerodynamic blockage' reverser works by putting something in the path of the exhaust gas to block and redirect it — as opposed to a mechanical reverser that redirects the airflow earlier, inside the engine.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces landing distance and increases safety margins on shorter runways or wet surfaces.
Intuition Check
Do not read “blockage” here as simply a solid plug in the engine exhaust. In this type, moving air helps create the blocking and redirecting effect.
Example Sentence 1
After touchdown, the captain selected reverse, and the aerodynamic blockage thrust reverser deployed to help slow the aircraft on the wet runway.
Example Sentence 2
The aerodynamic blockage thrust reverser uses doors that swing into the exhaust stream to redirect thrust forward.