FEASIBILITY AND TRADEOFFS OF A TRANSPORT FUSELAGE FIRE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

A feasibility investigation and tradeoff analysis was performed on two approaches to increase fire safety for a hypothetical aircraft: (1) an integrated Fire Management System, incorporating fire detection, monitoring, and suppression, and (2) improved non-metallic materials with greater fire retardancy and lower emission of hazardous pyrolysis products. Fire-related accident and incident data over a 10-year period were analyzed. Then the fire safety aspects of the hypothetical aircraft were studied on a zone-by-zone basis. A survey was made of the relevant available technology to upgrade the aircraft fire protection. A fire detection, monitoring, and extinguishing system based on this technology was outlined. Candidate material improvements were identified. The two approaches were defined in terms of performance, economics, and timeliness. Performance and cost factors favored a fire management system over improved materials. Unresolved technical problems existed with both approaches, and both involved substantial weight and economic increases. The fire management system appeared to have an advantage in timely availability, particularly since some of the qualifying tests for improved materials still need to be developed and accepted. Technology currently exists to provide an effective early-warning fire detection and monitoring system. A safe, effective extinguishing agent suitable for a cabin fire suppression system has yet to be fully demonstrated. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  Lockheed-California Company

  2555 North Hollywood Way
  Burbank, CA  United States  91505
• Authors:
  • Starrett, P S
  • Lopez, E
  • Silverman, B
  • Susersky, J
  • Logan, J
• Publication Date: 1976-4

Media Info

• Pagination: 167 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aircraft; Alternatives analysis; Aviation safety; Civil aircraft; Feasibility analysis; Fire detection systems; Fire extinguishers; Fire extinguishing agents; Fire prevention; Fire resistant materials; Fires; Fuselages; Jet transports; Monitoring; Safety
• Uncontrolled Terms: Aircraft safety; Monitors
• Old TRIS Terms: Aircraft fires
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00146410
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: FAA-RD-76-54 Final Rpt., LR-27477
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FA75WA-3657
• Files: NTIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 16 1977 12:00AM