A particle separator (20) for a tip turbine engine (10) includes a generally conical inclined leading surface (24) leading to a maximum radius (25) and a tapered trailing surface (56) having a radius at all points therealong less than the maximum radius (25). The trailing surface (56) of the particle separator (20) is tapered and/or curved radially inwardly away from the maximum radius (25). Air flowing toward the core airflow inlet is first diverted radially outwardly by the inclined leading surface (24) of the particle separator (20) to the maximum radius (25) of the particle separator (20). The air then follows the trailing surface (56) radially inwardly to flow axially into the core airflow inlet. While the air can follow the contours of the particle separator (20) around the maximum radius (25) and into the core airflow inlet, any particles, such as dirt, will have more inertia and will pass radially outwardly of the core airflow inlet through the bypass fan.