AIR1903 Aircraft Inerting Systems

Issued

07/10/2008

Features
Issuing Committee
Scope
Content
An airplane fuel tank inerting system provides an inert atmosphere in a fuel tank to minimize explosive ignition of fuel vapor.
This AIR deals with the three methods of fuel tank inerting systems currently used in operational aircraft: (1) on-board inert gas generation systems (OBIGGS), (2) liquid/gaseous nitrogen systems and (3) Halon systems. The OBIGGS and nitrogen systems generally are designed to provide full-time fuel tank fire protection; the Halon systems generally are designed to provide only on-demand or combat-specific protection.
This AIR does not treat the subject of Explosion Suppression Foam (ESF) that has been used for fuel tank explosion protection on a number of military aircraft. ESF is a totally passive, full-time protection system with multiple and simultaneous hit capability up to 23 mm. The primary disadvantages of foam are weight, reduction of usable fuel, and the added maintenance complexity when the foam must be removed for tank maintenance or inspection. AIR4170A is an excellent reference for the use of ESF for fuel tank explosion protection [1].
Rationale
Content
Aerospace Information Report (AIR) 1903 provides technical information and references for developing an airplane fuel tank inerting system.
Meta TagsDetails
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4271/AIR1903
Pages
13
Citation
SAE International Information Report, Aircraft Inerting Systems, SAE Standard AIR1903, Issued July 2008, https://doi.org/10.4271/AIR1903.
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
Jul 10, 2008
Product Code
AIR1903
Content Type
Information Report
Status
Issued
Language
English

Revisions