Summary: Filmed tests of methods, equipment and different types and combinations of extinguishing media (water, foam, CO2) used in fighting crashed aircraft fires with varying results.
Description: Reel one: Air Ministry Technical Panel For Aircraft Crash Fires. Film record of experimental tests. The rapid development of aircraft design during the past few years has brought with it correspondingly increased problems of how to deal with an outbreak of fire. Films are intended for reference only but have instructional value. “Standard RAF Crash Tender. Crossley 6 wheeled vehicle A.M.F.S. test ground 24/8/44”. Points on ineffectiveness of type of fire suppressant used. Mockup of aircraft fuselage and wings set on fire. Time to fire out 16 mins. Reignition after 20 mins. “The 'Pyrene' Foam and CO2 Crash Tender 1st Test A.M.F.S.Test Ground 10th Aug 1944”. Test No.2 Same appliance but different technique based od findeings of first test.
Reel two: Effects of water fog on fire (aircraft mockup). “American Crash Tender – trial on standard A.M.F.S. Test Fire” – water fog and foam used and problems of foam being washed away by water fog. Tenders exhausted after 7mins 30 secs. Fire still burning. “American SOXO Fire Truck Water Fog and Foam Unit” tested.
Reel three: “RAF Tender Elevated Monitor Type Sept 21st 1944” - fire still burning after 21 mins and allowed to burn out. “Test No.3 Pyrene Tender, Sept 25th 1944” - more successful test allowing dummy to be rescued within 2 mins of fire starting. Fire out within 3 mins. “Demonstration of Various Appliances” - methods of 'delivery' of extinguishing media onto an disused aircraft wing, mocked up engines.
Reel four: Further experiments with various types of Crash Tenders and combinations of extinguishing media - American “Cardox” Fire Truck – Mass application of CO2.” B-17 fuselage and starboard wing used – “Acceptance test of 1945 “Monitor” type Crash Tender”. “Experimental Compressed Air Foam Tender with CO2”. Fire out in just under 6 mins. Rescue entry made within 27 secs of start of fire fighting.
Reel five: Continuation of Reel 4. “Demonstration of CO2 on a self sealing petrol tank.” “Demonstration of two 1945 Monitor Tenders in conjunction with CO2 tender.” Rescue effected in 25 secs.
Alternative Title:
Colour:B&W
Digitised:
Object_Number:AMY 193
Sound:Silent
Access Conditions:
Featured Period:1939-1945
Production Date:1944
Production Country: GB
Production Details: ROYAL AIRCRAFT ESTABLISHMENT (Production sponsor)