Richard Hill

The use of a Halon 1301 fire-suppression system was evaluated in regard to increasing occupant escape time during a ground crash situation with an external fire adjacent to a cabin opening. Tests were conducted in a DC7 fuselage, varying the exit configurations and external wind conditions. Tests were also conducted using a curtain to compartmentize the cabin, with the Halon 1301 concentration and location of discharge being varied. Smoke, temperature, carbon monoxide, oxygen and Halon 1301 levels were continuously monitored during the tests at various locations throughout the cabin. Hydrogen fluoride (HF) and hydrogen bromide (HBr) concentrations were obtained by analyzing samples taken from the cabin at various times. The results indicted that the length of protection from flame penetration through an opening was department upon external wind conditions. Flame penetration was controlled for up to 3.5 minutes with zero wind, but a wind of as little as 2 miles per hour (mi/h), the time was reduced to less than 15 seconds. High HF levels were rapidly inside the cabin, with concentrations ranging from 60 parts per million (p/m), with no wind, to well over 300 p/m with 2-mi/h wind conditions. Test results also indicated that the use of a curtain to compartmentize the cabin could slow the spread of HF (15 to 20 seconds), but it does not lower the levels reached.

P.M. Sawko

Recently reported nitoaromatic amine-based intumescent coatings have demonstrated the capacity to insulate a substrate from the penetration of heat or flame.

K.L. Paciorek

This investigation was supported by National Aeronautics & Space Administration Ames Research Center

John F. Rayfield

The objective of this effort was to develop a garment to provide protection to flight attendants in proximity to cabin fires. Based on laboratory flame and heat flux tests, garment materials were chosen. A prototype garment was fabricated, including a breathing system and hood. The garment was tested for donning and mobility in an aircraft cabin, and was subjected to a simulated cabin fire exposure that approximated the contract design conditions

National Transportation Safety Board

This study presents the statistical data on U.S. air carrier accidents involving fire from 1965 through 1974. The statistics are compared with data contained in Bureau of Safety Pamphlet (BOSP) 7-6-3, which treats the same subject for the years 1955 through 1964. The study concludes that there have been significant improvements in occupant survivability. While fire still occurs in about 20 percent of the accidents in scheduled passenger operations, the ratio of fatalities from all causes to exposed occupants has declined 65 percent in this study period and the ratio of fatalities from the effects of fire and smoke to exposed occupants has declined 37 percent.