4 ms·

Reverse thrust doesn't come directly out the front of the engine - it's vented out the side (or, in very old engines, redirected from the back exhaust): https:

• cpcallen 8y ago
  That makes it even more surprisingly counterintuitive. I think the important thing to consider is the relative velocities of the intake and exhaust air (the latter being much larger).
• vpribish 8y ago
  that is a misleading way to put it - the reverse-thrust air does indeed move toward the front of the plane. it also moves outward, and is often taken from the sides of the engine, but a component of the (reversed) thrust is definitely going opposite the usual direction. here is a thermal image of a modern jet with thrust reverses on : http://www.rusaviainsider.com/russias-mc-21-tested-for-reverse-thrust-behavior/ http://www.rusaviainsider.com/russias-mc-21-tested-for-rever...