An Oxygen Enriched Air System for the AV-8A Harrier
Abstract
Due to the high support costs, increase in aircraft down time and hazards associated with the utilization of liquid oxygen, development has been progressing with On-Board Oxygen Generation Systems (OBOGS) which have the capability of providing an aviator's breathing gas of sufficient quality and quantity. An Oxygen Enriched Air System (OEAS), employing the molecular sieve concept, has been subjected to environmental test and evaluation by the Naval Air Development Center. The OEAS contains a molecular sieve oxygen concentrator, breathing regulator and performance monitor. The test and evaluation program was conducted to verify that design criteria have been met and to establish system performance in the environments anticipated on the AV-8A Harrier and other tactical aircraft. The system has successfully demonstrated the ability, under certain conditions, to provide a breathing gas composed of 95 percent oxygen and 5 percent argon. It will also provide adequate amounts of breathing gas and sufficient oxygen concentrations for a one or two man open loop breathing schedule. Concentrator anomalies have occurred during the program with control electronics and lubricants within the unit. Redesign of the breathing regulator is necessary to insure compatibility with lox systems and in providing a greater gas quantity during ground idle conditions. Redesign of the performance monitor is necessary to withstand environmental conditions anticipated in service use. Prior to future aircraft incorporation, design studies must pay consideration not only to bleed air pressure availabilities, but also to temperatures which may degrade system performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA112334
Entities
People
- Richard L. Routzahn
Organizations
- Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster