High-Reach Extendible Turrets With Skin Penetrating Nozzle

New tools like the high reach extendable turret (HRET) and aircraft skin penetrating nozzle are innovative devices that could potentially increase survivability of aircraft accidents, extinguish fires faster, and save lives. The evaluation was to determine the capabilities of a HRET, compare the results with the capabilities of a United States Air Force’s (USAF) P-19 Crash Truck, and to gain insight into the complexities of interior cabin suppression and extinguishment in a variety of possible postcrash aircraft fire scenarios. The high reach extendable turret and aircraft skin penetrating nozzle performed extraordinarily well in both research efforts. The HRET proved to be superior to the P-19 in its ability to use various attack modes, increased accuracy, faster extinguishing times, and safer delivery system. The penetrator nozzle demonstrated the control, suppression, and elimination of interior fire dynamics, fire growth, and reduced high interior cabin fire temperatures, including the ability to provide rapid positive pressure smoke ventilation. The HRET and penetrator nozzle presented new tools that will increase cabin survivability.

DOT/FAA/AR-05/53
Authors: Keith Bagot & Nicholas Subbotin