This report covers the history and current status of fire protection on aircraft carrier flight decks and hangar decks. Fire protection on aircraft carriers is a joint responsibility of the Naval Sea Systems Command and the Naval Air Systems Command. The report begins with a quick orientation covering some of the significant physical characteristics of aircraft carriers that are relevant to fire protection. The fire hazardous nature of carrier operations is discussed specifically, with focus on some of the concerns relative to air launched ordnance. Next, a review of firefighting systems, including the firefighting agents currently in use, as well as the current tactics for fighting fires on the flight deck and the hangar deck, is provided. We review the history of carrier fires and emphasize some of the lessons learned, including the research and development programs that resulted from those fires. Some recent program initiatives under NAVAIR project W1819 are covered. Finally, the report covers a list of some current shortcomings and future concerns.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Aircraft hangar

    European Patent Office | 2022

    Free access

    Aircraft Carrier Flight Deck Fire Fighting Tactics and Equipment Evaluation Tests

    H. W. Carhart / J. T. Leonard / R. L. Darwin et al. | NTIS | 1987


    Requirements for an Aircraft Carrier Flight Deck Fire Fighting Test Facility

    R. L. Darwin / J. L. Scheffey / H. L. Bowman et al. | NTIS | 2003


    Aerodynamic Optimization over Frigate Helicopter Flight Deck by Hangar Shape Modifications

    Bardera Mora, Rafael / Matías García, Juan Carlos / García-Magariño, Adelaida | AIAA | 2020


    Aircraft Hangar Fire Suppression System Design Study

    J. L. Scheffey / A. J. Wakelin / J. E. Gott et al. | NTIS | 2000