Device and method for protecting aircraft component from collision with flying objects

1. A device ( 1 ) for protecting an aircraft component from collision with a flying object ( 9 ), comprising:

a main member ( 2 ) rotating about an axis (A) and defining a cavity ( 5 ) for housing said aircraft component, said main member ( 2 ) having a first surface ( 3 ) facing outwards of the device ( 1 ) and being subject to collision with a flying object ( 9 ) and a second surface ( 6 ) opposite said first surface ( 3 ); and

diverting means ( 8 ) connected angularly to said main member ( 2 ), also subject to collision with said flying object ( 9 ), and comprising a number of ribs ( 4 ) extending crosswise to said axis (A);

said diverting means ( 8 ) designed, in the event of collision of said main member ( 2 ) with said flying object ( 9 ), to reduce the axial momentum of said flying object ( 9 ) and divert said flying object ( 9 ) radially with respect to said axis (A);

said diverting means ( 8 ) arranged inside said cavity ( 5 ) and integrally supported by said second surface ( 6 ) of said main member ( 2 ) opposite said first surface ( 3 ).

2. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of said ribs ( 4 ) is curved in the same direction as the rotation direction of said main member ( 2 ) about said axis (A), and as of a radially inner end ( 11 ) of said rib with respect to said axis (A).

3. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of said ribs ( 4 ) decreases in size from a radially outer end ( 10 ), attached to said main member ( 2 ), to a radially inner end ( 11 ) opposite said radially outer end ( 10 ).

4. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of said ribs ( 4 ) comprises a first wall ( 12 ) and a second wall ( 13 ) perpendicular to each other.

5. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said ribs ( 4 ) are equally spaced angularly with respect to said axis (A).

6. An aircraft component comprising a collision protection device ( 1 ) as claimed in claim 1 .