Laboratory Full Scale Testing of Non Traditional Lightweight

Laboratory & Full Scale Testing of Non Traditional Lightweight Aircraft Seats Tim Marker FAA Technical Center

Problem: Next Generation aircraft seats that utilize lighter materials in their construction are unfairly restricted by the FAR-mandated 10% weight loss criteria. % Weight Loss = (initial weight – final weight) / (initial weight) x 100 Example: 6 lb seat [(6. 0 -5. 5) / 6. 0] x 100 = 8. 3% PASS Example: 4 lb seat [(4. 0 -3. 5) / 4. 0] x 100 = 12. 5% FAIL Proposed Testing: Evaluate performance of lightweight cushion under realistic conditions.

Testing Criteria Supply 18 Sets of Test Cushions to FAATC Test Cushion Construction per FAR 25. 853(c) Appendix F, Part II (or Handbook) Back: 18 W x 25 H x 2 T Bottom: 18 W x 20 D x 4 T “Each specimen tested must be fabricated using the principal components (i. e. , foam core, flotation material, fire blocking material, if used, and dress covering) and assembly processes (representative seams and closures) intended for use in the production articles. If a different material combination is used for the back cushion than the bottom cushion, both material combinations must be tested as complete specimen sets, each set consisting of a back cushion specimen and a bottom cushion specimen. ”

Testing Criteria (con’t) FAATC Randomly Selects 6 Sets of Cushions to Conduct Lab-Scale Tests (oil burner) If Seats Do Not Exceed 10% Weight Loss What is the Problem? ? If Seats Exceed 10% Weight Loss Proceed with Full-Scale Evaluation Using 12 Sets

Full-Scale Test Apparatus

Seat Identification & Thermocouple Location

Full-Scale Test Configuration in 707

View Into Fire Door in 707

Thermocouple Placement on Seats

Close-up of Seat Thermocouple

Outside View of Fire Pan

2 nd Baseline Test Highlights Seats Fire Blocked Urethane Using PBI Felt Material with 90/10 Wool/Nylon Dress Weight Loss ranged from 6 to 10% in Lab Test Interior Panels 0. 25 -Inch thick crushed Nomex honeycomb core, meets 65/65 Carpet Aircraft-grade, meets VBB Test Execution AFFF applied to pan fire @ 5: 30 CO 2 Extinguishing Agent applied to interior @ 6: 30