On: Boeing 787 Suffers Rare Dual Engine Failure on Lan...

[minedwiz]

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://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/df/F-GTAR_A...

[cpcallen → minedwiz]

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 → minedwiz]

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-rever...