Image courtesy AmSafe Bridport
 
Their solution, which is designed for wide-body, long-haul cargo aircraft, marks a significant advance in fire safety for air cargo operations. It was successfully tested at RISE Fire Research AS - a world-leading testing facility in Trondheim, Norway.
 
Designed to accommodate cargo sizes ranging from 257 x 205 inches to a 238.5 x 96 inch standard G pallet, the new FCC from AmSafe Bridport is a versatile and modular solution. This ensures optimal protection for different pallet footprints, load configurations and cargo heights ranging from the minimum of 26 inches to the maximum of 264 inches.

 
The proprietary fabric, developed using AmSafe Bridport’s longstanding experience in this area, offers exceptional fire resistance and durability, guaranteeing structural integrity and superior fire containment performance, even under extreme conditions.
 
The FCC, which was developed over 18 months, is also the largest of its kind to successfully undergo a six hour fire test at RISE Fire Research, a benchmark aligned with the maximum diversion time required for aircraft emergency landings. The test included Class ‘A’ fire scenarios, where ignition was initiated using shredded paper and a heating coil, simulating realistic thermal runaway conditions. This achievement highlights the breakthrough that AmSafe Bridport’s FCC represents in fire safety for air cargo operations.
 
Natalie Paul, Vice President (VP) Sales and Engineering at AmSafe Bridport, said: “The development of the largest, modular Fire Containment Cover is a testament to our commitment to extending the boundaries of aviation safety. By developing a solution that can protect a wide range of cargo configurations, we are significantly enhancing fire safety for air cargo operations worldwide.”
 
AmSafe Bridport plans to use the FCC technology to develop new fire containment solutions with greater capabilities including protection against Li-ion battery fires, which is seen as one of the biggest risks in the air cargo industry at present.
 
Mikael Steiner Bergius, Senior Engineer at RISE Fire Research, said: “We are pleased to have conducted the  six hour fire test in collaboration with AmSafe Bridport. At our test facilities in Trondheim, we strive to provide clients with reliable and accurate data to help answer critical questions about performance and safety. Our mission is to support clients in making informed decisions through rigorous and objective testing.”