DC-9/MD-88/90 series gear question

[Snow]

What's with those little metal plates on either side of the nose gear, possibly on the mains as well? I don't think I've seen them on Boeing aircraft before.

Thanks

 

[derg]

It's a 'spray deflector' which is used to deflect snow and rain in a certain way to not get injested into the engine.

 

[Joe]

I believe they are there to prevent FOD (foreign object debris) from being kicked up by the wheels into the engines.

 

[Snow]

Cool thanks, do all rear mounted engined aircraft have somthing simular? 727 etc?

 

[ananoman]

Most rear engined aircraft at least have a chined nosewheel tire, but not all have spray deflectors as part of the gear.