[kach22i]

Originally Posted by daepp

When a pilot deploys the thrust reversers, do they hit full power, or just it just sound like it?

I always assumed they increased the power, but to be sure I Googled it and found this.

LinkF16SimDude:
How do thrust reversers work on large aircraft? :: F-16.net

The FADEC-controlled CF6-80C2 engine has a sliding cascade door as the reverser (where part of the nacelles slides aft exposing the reverser's deflecting vanes) and uses fan thrust only to slow the jet. Once the the reverser lever is activated in the cockpit, the FADEC waits for the reverser to verify that's it's at least 90% deployed before spooling up to almost takeoff RPM. That fan air is then ducted forward by the reverser and your head then bounces off the seatback in front of you. Once the jet has slowed to sufficient taxi speed the lever is stowed and the reverser resets to the closed and locked position.

RAF Tornado Display at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT)

The thrust reversers visible at the rear allow the plane to land on the same damage-shortened runways it took off from, but they produce a characteristic sooty patch on the tail from the hot gases which are directed forwards.