The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched an international research programme to develop improved aircraft firefighting foams that could enhance safety and increase the chance of passengers surviving a post-accident fire.
Following a major aircraft accident, foams are used to extinguish and suppress fuel fires. The physical and chemical behaviour of the foam is crucial in controlling the fire.
The current foam fire standards were developed in the 1970s but recent developments may now enable more effective foams to be used. These would reduce the amount of foam required to fight an aircraft fire and allow lighter and therefore more efficient firefighting vehicles.
The research is being undertaken on behalf of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and is initially funded by the CAA and Transport Canada. Its aim is to develop foam testing methods and establish a new protocol, enabling manufacturers to supply foam to a new international standard.
“We strongly support this ICAO research initiative, which should lead to a new generation of firefighting foams,” said Simon Webb, an airport fire specialist in the CAA’s Safety Regulation Group. “This has the potential to enhance safety significantly and benefit the aviation industry and the travelling public.”
