Mojo
http://www.iasa.com.au/folders/Safet...RAFKapton.html It is worth emphasizing that polyimide wiring was implicated as a contributing factor in the
loss of two Tornados.
Furthermore, numerous ground fires have been recorded as a result of damage to this type of wiring. Laboratory tests have shown that the power of the Carbon Arc not only can destroy wiring looms, but can severely damage structures.
Without doubt, complacency cannot be allowed to creep in when handling polyimide wiring. It is no longer a ‘fit and forget’ component or a suitable place for hanging your torch in confined areas. To maintain our aircraft in an airworthy condition, it is essential that cables be continually inspected, cleaned and re-cleated. It should be noted that this form of inspection and maintenance will be with us for some time as Harrier GR5, Sentry AEW and Tristar all contain a polyimide construction of cable that is even more susceptible to carbon arc tracking than Tornado wiring.