Advanced Ultra-Violet (UV) Aircraft Fire Detection System. Volume 1. System Description and Flight Test

The objective of this program was to utilize ultra-violet UV radiation technology to provide advanced means of detecting fire hazards more reliably and more rapidly than current thermally activated continuous cable type systems. the program was divided into four phases. The first phase consisted of analysis and design requirements followed by design and fabrication, environmental testing, and flight testing of the system on an F-111 high performance aircraft. The objectives of this program were met. Two ultra-violet UV detection systems were developed, fabricated and test flown. The flight test program demonstrated that the systems have a fire detection reliability and a freedom from false warnings that are significantly better than existing service equipment. One system, system A, includes a high degree of redundancy such as dual power supplies, dual sensors and dual microprocessors along with self checking and automatic reconfiguration. These features provide a reduction in pilot work load and reduction in unscheduled maintenance actions. The other system, system B, a simplified system, is based on the same design components as system A but only utilizes a single power supply, single sensor and a single microprocessor. Both systems are considered suitable for near-term service applications.