How to Stay Safe When Aircrafts Are Towering Over You?

If you’ve ever found yourself standing near a runway, you’ll know that aircraft are massive. When you add the power of a jet engine into the mix, you’ve got some serious force to deal with. So, how do you make sure everyone stays safe when you’re working around these enormous machines? The answer: managing jet blast risk.

At any airport or airfield, ensuring the safety of personnel, equipment, and infrastructure from jet blast is absolutely crucial. And that’s where Jet Blast Deflectors come in.

The Magic of Jet Blast Deflectors

When it comes to keeping airports safe and efficient, the IAC Aviation range of jet blast deflectors does the job—and then some. Not only do our solutions boost operational efficiency by improving aircraft movement, but they also help maximise airfield space, enabling access across the entire site, all the way to the boundary.

Plus, we’re all about providing long-lasting, cost-effective protection. Our deflectors are designed to safely deflect or diffuse the powerful jet wake from aircraft, keeping things running smoothly and safely. Whether it’s jets, propellers, or helicopters, and whether it’s taxiing, taking off, or during power assurance checks, we’ve got you covered.

Below, we’ll be exploring our jet blast deflectors in further detail:

Vertical Mesh Barrier (VMB)

Designed to withstand wind and high-speed jet wakes (we’re talking 45m/s—pretty fast!), the VMB is the perfect solution for areas that need protection without taking up too much space.

Here’s why it works:

  Jet blast deflection: The VMB redirects jet blast upwards at a 60° angle, diffusing airflow and creating a protective zone behind it.

  Space-saving design: Its vertical build keeps the footprint minimal and makes the most of the space around it.

  Clear visibility: The mesh design means you can still see through the barrier, which is crucial for safety.

  Versatility: It’s widely used for protecting service roads and heli-pad areas.

And if you’re wondering about the numbers, the VMB comes in standard heights of 3m, 4m, 5m, and 6m, with a width of 2m. Plus, it’s modular, so you can easily relocate or extend it if needed.

Want to see how it all works? Check out our handy illustration below.

Angled Mesh Barrier (AMB)

If you need a bit more oomph in your jet blast deflection, the AMB is your go-to. It uses the same mesh as the VMB but is mounted on an A-frame construction, leaning into the jet wake at a 30° angle for better deflection.

While it does have a larger footprint, the AMB is designed to give you:

  Improved performance: The AMB turns the jet wake around 90°, so it exits vertically, giving better protection.

  Better safety: The clear line of sight through the mesh keeps things safe while protecting personnel and equipment.

  Portability: The AMB is available as a modular system, making it easy to deploy to temporary locations.

It comes in standard heights ranging from 2.7m to 5.3m, and it’s flexible in terms of positioning. It’s also palletised, so it’s easy to move around with a forklift.

For a better idea of how this works, check out the illustration below.

Curved Sold Barrier (CSB)

When you’re dealing with powerful thrust—especially at break-away or high-thrust operations—you need something sturdy. That’s where the CSB comes in.

The CSB is built for strength, with the main difference between the duty ratings being the frame spacing. Here’s how it works:

  Break-away duty: For lower thrust (like taxiing), the frame spacing is 2.5m.

  High-thrust duty: For greater thrust (like engine ground running), the frame spacing is reduced to just 0.834m for maximum stability.

But that’s not all. The CSB has an optional acoustic absorption panel that can reduce noise by 10-15dB, which is a huge benefit for airfield employees, passengers, and even local residents. It’s the perfect solution for both jet blast deflection and noise control.

The CSB is available in 4m and 6m heights, with a 2m width.

Angled Fibreglass Barrier (AFB)

Sometimes, you need a barrier that’s light, frangible, and won’t interfere with critical airport systems like radar or ILS. Enter the AFB.

This fibreglass barrier is a game-changer for locations where traditional metallic barriers just won’t do, like runway ends. We’ve partnered with Blastwall Ltd to offer this patented system, which is:

   Non-interfering: It won’t mess with airport systems and has been tested and qualified by NAV Canada.

   FAA certified: Compliant with US installation standards.

   Frangible: It minimises damage in collisions and won’t corrode, even in harsh environments.

   Easy to assemble: No heavy lifting required, unless you’re working with larger versions.

   Durable: It’s made with UV stabilisers for long-lasting performance.

Fire retardant: It even has a Class 1 flame-spreading rating.

The AFB comes in standard heights of 3m and 4m.

If your airport or airfield is looking for a top-notch jet blast deflector solution that guarantees both safety and performance, we’d love to chat! Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you upgrade your airfield safety.