By
Andrew Stackpool
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The
explosive suppressant foam fitted in a C-130
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The
explosive suppressant foam fitted in a C-130 cut to fit.
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THE
first explosive suppressant foam has been fitted in the fuel tanks
of C-130 aircraft to protect both the platform and the people
who operate them.
The first installation took place at RAAF Base Richmond on December
10 when the foam was fitted to a C-130J.
Squadron Leader Cameron Leslie, from Aerospace Development’s Aircraft
Survivability Directorate, said the foam acts as a physical barrier
in the event of a fuel fire or explosion.
“A fuel tank contains a mix of liquid and fuel-laden vapour. As
fuel is used, the level of vapour in the tank increases. Possible
ignition of the fuel liquid following an incident is not the problem,
but the vapour is an explosion risk,” SQNLDR Leslie said.
The foam is fitted to fill the entire tank space and contains
the liquid fuel and the vapour. In the event of an explosion,
the foam helps absorb the explosion and inhibits the spread of
fire.
“Fitting of the foam to the first aircraft was conducted by a
combined team of Australians and overseas personnel from the USAF
at Warner-Robins AFB Georgia, and Lockheed Martin from Marietta
Georgia. The modification to the first Hercules late last year
occurred in a better than expected timeframe and deserves a pat
on the back for the people involved,” SQNLDR Leslie said.
The flexible foam blocks are manufactured from polyurethane and
are similar in appearance to that found in packaging, though coarser
and more durable.
The removal and replacement of used foam is conducted using personal
protective suits and breathing equipment comprising full-face
masks fitted with communications links.
The ADF has already acquired stocks of this equipment and has
developed procedures for foam handling.
Tenix
to modify Hercules
