Seems the Chinese have tested aircraft/drone collisions - Chinese authorities test drone-aircraft collision - ASN News
Chinese authorities test drone-aircraft collision
- Thread starter LuvMyTJ
- Start date
MadValley
Well-Known Member
That'll buff right out. I know a guy...
Xtreme Drone Pilot
Well-Known Member
Good news though..... windscreen never broke. So all these reports of dents in wings and other reports are probably exaggerated a bit. So, we just need to reference this video if you get busted flying near an airport. 
OzoneVibe
Well-Known Member
Good news though..... windscreen never broke. So all these reports of dents in wings and other reports are probably exaggerated a bit. So, we just need to reference this video if you get busted flying near an airport.
It's definitely reassuring that the windshield only cracked rather than failing completely, but unfortunately not all aircraft windshields are nearly as strong as commercial airliner windshields. Most helicopter and GA windshields are most unlikely to survive the same impact. These windshields are also much stiffer than the flight control surfaces so it probably doesn't imply anything about the effect of impact on those.
Xtreme Drone Pilot
Well-Known Member
Also, Mavic is more dense in longitudinal direction than Phantom, it even has a metal heatsink, so its penetrating cabability is possibly more than just cracking the windshield.
Agreed. The Phantom does have that magnesium core though. I'm not sure which I'd expect to do more damage.
Here's a link on the same webpage.
Researchers release report on drone airborne collisions - ASN News
Bear in mind this aircraft wasn't at pressurized altitude (for those trying for stupid altitude limit tests) or flying at 200+ mph, NOR does it account for the pilots reaction close to the ground when landing. This is serious stuff. Fellow drone pilots need to really understand this and stop being so macho and rebellious or they are going to ruin this for all of us. You may not like it but, technically, the FAA is charged with regulating everything from the ground up. It is the law. Some renegade cities are trying to take over that power and control everything from the ground up to 400 FT, so be nice and don't give them any more ammunition than they already think they have during this drone law sharing test period. We all also need to understand the inverted wedding cake ceiling that extends way beyond the 5 mile limit in Class B airspace. I live in Class B airspace and my house is in a 200 FT altitude limit while my neighbor 2 blocks over is in a 100 FT altitude limit. Please, continue to have fun, but fly wisely.Good news though..... windscreen never broke. So all these reports of dents in wings and other reports are probably exaggerated a bit. So, we just need to reference this video if you get busted flying near an airport.
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A cracked windscreen still requires an emergency diversion and costly repair (and aircraft out of service).
