Fire detection system for aircraft cargo bays

Michael L. Parsons; Peter L. Hutchins; Vincent Y. Tseng

doi:10.1117/12.21741

1 September 1990 Fire detection system for aircraft cargo bays

Michael L. Parsons, Peter L. Hutchins, Vincent Y. Tseng

Proceedings Volume 1308, Infrared Detectors and Focal Plane Arrays; (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.21741
Event: 1990 Technical Symposium on Optics, Electro-Optics, and Sensors, 1990, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Smoke detection systems as they are now configured in aircraft cargo bays do not meet the current FAA requirements. The Federal Aviation Regulations, Part 25.5851 includes a specification that a fire be detected within one minute after initiation. Data from full scale testing programs have provided conclusive evidence that smoke detection systems can take up to several minutes to provide a fire warning signal. This has been emphasized in a new FAA Airworthiness Directive requiring new fire detection systems on all combination passenger/cargo (combi) aircraft built by Boeing and McDonnell Douglas. In response to this situation Pacific Scientific has developed a fire detection system which meets the new FAA regulations. It is based on infrared detection technology coupled with a fresnel scanning optical system. The system uses a dual computer controller unit. The sensor is responsive to either over heat or fire conditions, has three levels of fire alarm signal, incorporate complete system redundancy, and has fire location capability. It is highly reliable and immune to false alarm stimuli. A description of the system will be presented. Performance characteristics, false alarm immunity, and compliance with the FAA regulations will be discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Michael L. Parsons, Peter L. Hutchins, and Vincent Y. Tseng "Fire detection system for aircraft cargo bays", Proc. SPIE 1308, Infrared Detectors and Focal Plane Arrays, (1 September 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.21741

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