Ullage Protection
There are many ways to protect the ullage.
Fuel Tank Ullage Protection
Passive (in-situ):
• Explosion Suppressant Foam (ESF) on P-3, C-130, F/A-18
• Aluminum mesh
Inerting:
• Halon 1301 was used on now-retired A-6 platform
• Alternative: On-Board Inert Gas Generation System (OBIGGS) - provides nitrogen-enriched air; maintain O2 concentration < 9% for military applications –Implemented on V-22, H-1Upgrades
Active Systems (within ullage, reacts to event):
Legislation by the FAA that would force airlines to retrofit their fleets appears to have stalled for now. From the research I have done inerting fuel tanks or fitting ESF is relatively straightforward. It is not so expensive but it is time consuming. I am aware of OBIGGS on C17 ac. Fuel tank protection can be fitted on anything from fast jets to C5. It is just a matter of political will.
Last edited by nigegilb; 25th Apr 2006 at 09:03.