The work aims to compare the advantages and disadvantages of two buffering schemes and determine the protection area for airdrop generators. A three-dimensional simulation model was established based on ANSYS/LS_DYNA finite element analysis software. The process of generator dropping and impacting concrete ground was simulated, and the damage analysis of generator under two buffering schemes was compared. The deformation, stress change and damage mode of generator during airdrop impact were analyzed. According to the simulation results, the honeycomb cardboard buffer caused blade detachment due to uneven weight distribution, while the steel wire rope absorber significantly reduced the maximum stress to 43.6% of the cardboard buffer, though it might rebound. The impact stress from dropping to the ground was mainly concentrated on the bottom shell of the generator, connecting shaft, and diesel engine base. It is feasible and effective to analyze the drop impact of generator by finite element simulation, which can compare different buffering methods and greatly reduce the test cost, and can be applied to the safety design and evaluation of airdrop generator.