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Flame Deflectors. Direct impingement and uncontrolled flow of rocket engine exhaust gases during a launching would create serious hazards to the launch vehicle and ground equipment due to spalling, melt- ing of metallic objects, and dislodgment in the direct impingement area. A flame deflector is a mechanical device placed in the exhaust stream to prevent the blast from impinging directly on the launch pad and to channel the exhaust away from the launcher area to reduce or eliminate these hazards. Distribution of the exhaust is controlled by the type and design of the deflector. The exhaust may be channeled in one or two directions, or all around the launcher. In a cooled deflector, the coolant absorbs a large amount of heat from the exhaust, thus reducing the energy in the exhaust stream. An uncooled deflector absorbs only a small amount of the heat, and reduces the energy level of the exhaust jet very little.