Aqueous Based Fire Suppression for Military Vehicle Crew Compartments
Navy SBIR FY2013.2


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2013.2
Topic No.: N132-085
Topic Title: Aqueous Based Fire Suppression for Military Vehicle Crew Compartments
Proposal No.: N132-085-0259
Firm: CFD Research Corporation
215 Wynn Dr., 5th Floor
Huntsville, Alabama 35805
Contact: Matthew Thomas
Phone: (256) 726-4800
Web Site: www.cfdrc.com
Abstract: Recent tests have shown 80% improvement in closed compartment fire-suppression and post burn protection is achievable by implementing induction charging into aqueous based automatic fire extinguishing systems. CFDRC will capitalize on these results to provide military tactical vehicles with an aqueous based fire suppression alternative to oxygen displacement. Phase I will focus on: 1. Implementation of an induction charged aqueous based fire suppression system into a heavily instrumented prototype MTVR military vehicle compartment capable of quantifying crew casualty/injury levels over a 5 minute period; and 2. Test and evaluation of crew casualty/injury protection upon vehicle compartment exposure to external (explosion/fire outside crew compartment) and internal fires (via Field Expedient Molotov cocktail entry through ceiling hatch). The Phase I test matrix includes examination of multiple fire energy levels, aqueous supply levels, and suppressant discharge event sequences to focus and define R&D efforts for technology transition into Marine Corps tactical vehicles. Approximately 100 heavily instrumented fire suppression test events will be completed and assessed by our team (Defense Contractors, Fire Research Institutes, Equipment Manufacturers, etc.). The option program will focus on cost/benefit assessment regarding quantifying chemical compositions, and crew casualty/injury outcomes relative to existing oxygen displacement systems. During Phase II CFDRC will manufacture several working prototypes while validating all test instrumentation and techniques required for Marine Corps field performance certification and qualification.
Benefits: Our proposed aqueous based automatic fire extinguishing system has the potential to exceed all crew injury/casualty criteria within the Marine Corps need statement to the MTVR, LVSR, and HMMWV Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Upon initiation of Phase II CFDRC plans to engage the Program Manager - Medium and Heavy Tactical Vehicles (PM M&HTV) and the Program Manager - Light Tactical Vehicles (PM LTV) regarding upgrade/replacement of the dry chemical AFES systems currently installed on MTVR, LVSR, and HMMWV. Full transition of this technology into several commercial product lines will be initiated at the onset of Phase II.

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