Kapton Wire
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Kapton Wire
Apologies if this has been discussed before but I have just seen a Panorama programme on UK Horizons called "Die by Wire". Dramatic title I know so I intended to take it's issues with a pinch of salt. However, the programme based itself around the dangers of Kapton wire in aircraft and came across as being well researched.
For info Kapton is a very thin insulation for wires that has potentially catastrophic consequences should it become the slightest bit damaged in any way. Tests show that it explodes causing fire, and resetting a popped circuit breaker intensifies this.
TWA highlighted concerns about the compound prior to delivery of it's L1011 Tristars several years ago. They once again asked Boeing not to use Kapton on B747s ordered in the 1970s but were "talked around" by a Boeing technical team. However, Boeing came under increasing pressure from other major airlines and also the US Navy who were so concerned that they prematurely retired many aircraft to the desert that were contructed with Kapton wire. Boeing does not use Kapton any more in it's products. Kapton has been linked to many aviation disasters such as the Swissair MD11 crash off the Canadian coast and the Saudia L1011 fire disaster.
What I found most disturbing is that Airbus Industrie still use Kapton wire to this day. Is anyone in the know about this subject as I would be interested to know a more balanced view from my colleagues "inside" the profession.
For info Kapton is a very thin insulation for wires that has potentially catastrophic consequences should it become the slightest bit damaged in any way. Tests show that it explodes causing fire, and resetting a popped circuit breaker intensifies this.
TWA highlighted concerns about the compound prior to delivery of it's L1011 Tristars several years ago. They once again asked Boeing not to use Kapton on B747s ordered in the 1970s but were "talked around" by a Boeing technical team. However, Boeing came under increasing pressure from other major airlines and also the US Navy who were so concerned that they prematurely retired many aircraft to the desert that were contructed with Kapton wire. Boeing does not use Kapton any more in it's products. Kapton has been linked to many aviation disasters such as the Swissair MD11 crash off the Canadian coast and the Saudia L1011 fire disaster.
What I found most disturbing is that Airbus Industrie still use Kapton wire to this day. Is anyone in the know about this subject as I would be interested to know a more balanced view from my colleagues "inside" the profession.
Electric Sky, Yes this subject has come up quite a bit in the various fora, a quick search (the search function link is at the top right of each page) came up with:
Old jets' wires may be riddled with cracks: and
kapton wiring - death by wire
on the Tech Log Forum, and:
IASA Conference - Aircraft Wiring Concerns,
Scarry stuff [sic],
More on the Kapton wiring problem...,
Kapton wiring....no longer used????,
WHERE THERE'S SMOKE......., and
Swissair 111 - TSB Recommendations
on Rumours and News, amongst many others.
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Tech Log forum moderator
Old jets' wires may be riddled with cracks: and
kapton wiring - death by wire
on the Tech Log Forum, and:
IASA Conference - Aircraft Wiring Concerns,
Scarry stuff [sic],
More on the Kapton wiring problem...,
Kapton wiring....no longer used????,
WHERE THERE'S SMOKE......., and
Swissair 111 - TSB Recommendations
on Rumours and News, amongst many others.
------------------
Tech Log forum moderator
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Posts: n/a
Thanks Checkboard. It seems it has been well discussed already but I do find it very alarming. It is a catch 22 as it is not financially viable to rewire existing aircraft. However, I am astounded that Airbus still use it at all. So much for safety using Fly By Wire.
