Cargo Compartment Fire Protection in Large Commercial Transport Aircraft
Abstract
This report describes recent research by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) related to cargo compartment fire protection in large transport aircraft. A gaseous hydrofluorocarbon, HFC-125, was compared to Halon 1301 in terms of fire suppression effectiveness and agent decomposition levels in the cargo compartment and passenger cabin during full-scale tests involving a bulk-loaded cargo fire. Also, a zoned water mist system was designed and evaluated against a bulk-loaded cargo fire. An exploding aerosol can simulator is being developed to provide a repeatable fire threat for evaluation of new halon replacement agents. The potential severity of an exploding aerosol can inside a cargo compartment and the effectiveness of Halon 1301 inserting was demonstrated. Tests were also conducted to determine the effectiveness of Halon 1301 against a cargo fire involving oxygen canisters. Finally, HFC-125 was evaluated for use as a simulant for Halon 1301 during cargo compartment approval testing to demonstrate compliance with applicable FAA regulations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA355109
Entities
People
- Constantine Sarkos
- David Blake
- John Reinhardt
- Richard Hill
- Timothy Marker
Organizations
- Federal Aviation Administration