Flammability Testing

With specialized in-house laboratories, purpose-built equipment, experienced technicians, and DER support, ACES handles a broad range of aviation flammability and fire-testing requirements for aircraft materials, interiors, components, and systems. Capabilities include oil burner (fireblock) testing, Bunsen burner testing, NexGen/Sonic burner testing, radiant panel flame propagation, heat release, smoke density and toxicity, cargo fire-containment testing, and battery fire-containment evaluation. Bringing these services together in one facility helps simplify certification programs, reduce outside coordination, and move projects more efficiently from test planning through final compliance documentation.

Oil burner testing is used to evaluate the fire resistance and fire-containment performance of a variety of aircraft materials, components, and assemblies. ACES supports applications ranging from aircraft seat cushions to cargo liners, acoustic insulation, powerplant fuel systems, and firewall assemblies.

Seat Cushion / Fireblock Testing

The Oil Burner Test, also known as the Fireblock Test, evaluates the fire performance of aircraft seat cushion assemblies by measuring cushion weight loss and the char length produced on the dress cover and underlying foam materials.

The test is used to demonstrate compliance with the applicable requirements of 14 CFR §§ 25.853(c) and 29.853(b). ACES operates two in-house oil burner laboratories, allowing multiple projects and test programs to be supported simultaneously.

Seat Cushions Commonly Requiring Testing

  • Seatback cushions
  • Bottom cushions
  • Headrest cushions
  • Footrest and leg-rest cushions

In addition to oil burner testing, applicable seat cushion materials are required to undergo 12-second vertical testing to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of 14 CFR §§ 25.853(a) and 29.853(a).

Additional Oil Burner Testing Capabilities

Cargo Liner — Flame Penetration Evaluates cargo ceiling, wall, and liner materials for resistance to flame penetration using a high-intensity burner flame. Testing supports compliance with 14 CFR § 25.855(c). Learn More
Acoustic Insulation Burnthrough Evaluates thermal and acoustic insulation materials for burnthrough resistance under high-intensity flame exposure. Testing supports compliance with 14 CFR § 25.856(b). Learn More
Powerplant Fuel Systems Determines the fire resistance of high-temperature hose assemblies used in aircraft fire zones, including applications associated with TSO-C42, TSO-C53A and TSO-C75. Learn More
Powerplant Firewalls Evaluates firewall assemblies for resistance to flame propagation and penetration in support of applicable powerplant fire-protection requirements. Learn More
ACES flammability specialists can help determine the appropriate oil burner test requirements for a particular seat configuration, material, component, or aircraft application.

Applicable CFRs

  • 14 CFR § 25.853(c)

  • 14 CFR § 29.853(b)

  • 14 CFR § 25.853(a)

  • 14 CFR § 29.853(a)

  • 14 CFR § 25.855(c)

  • 14 CFR § 25.856(b)

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Bunsen Burner testing evaluates the flammability characteristics of materials used throughout an aircraft, including dress-cover materials, foams, interior panels, flooring, seat belts, cargo liners, electrical wiring and other aircraft components.

These test methods are used to demonstrate compliance with applicable requirements of 14 CFR Parts 23, 25, 27 and 29.

ACES' Bunsen Burner laboratory includes three ACES-designed and fabricated flammability chambers, providing the capacity to efficiently accommodate both individual specimens and larger testing programs.

Available Bunsen Burner Test Methods

2.5 & 4.0 IPM Horizontal Evaluates the horizontal flame-propagation rate of applicable aircraft materials.
12 & 60 Second Vertical Measures burn length and after-flame time after exposure to a burner flame for 12 or 60 seconds.
45° Cargo / Baggage Panel Evaluates the flame resistance of applicable cargo and baggage-compartment materials.
60° Wire / Cable Insulation Evaluates the flammability characteristics of electrical wire and cable insulation.
The 12- and 60-second vertical methods are commonly used for materials including textiles, carpeting, foams and polymer materials such as panels, partitions and transparencies.

Applicable CFRs

  • 14 CFR Part 23

  • 14 CFR Part 25

  • 14 CFR Part 27

  • 14 CFR Part 29

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The Next Generation Oil Burner, commonly referred to as the NexGen or Sonic Burner, is used by ACES for specialized testing of magnesium-alloy aircraft components and materials.

Magnesium presents unique fire-performance considerations, and the NexGen / Sonic Burner provides the high-intensity flame exposure needed to evaluate applicable magnesium materials and components under controlled test conditions.

ACES can assist customers in determining whether NexGen / Sonic Burner testing is appropriate for a particular magnesium-alloy component or certification program.
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The Flame Propagation, or Radiant Panel Test, evaluates the flammability and flame-propagation characteristics of aircraft thermal and acoustic insulation materials.

During testing, the specimen is subjected to a radiant heat source and a burner flame to evaluate the manner and extent in which flame propagates across the material.

This testing is used to demonstrate compliance with applicable requirements of 14 CFR §§ 23.856 and 25.856.

Applicable CFRs

  • 14 CFR § 23.856

  • 14 CFR § 25.856

Heat Release testing evaluates the rate at which aircraft cabin materials release heat when exposed to a combination of a burner flame and radiant heat.

The results provide important information regarding how a material may contribute to fire growth within the aircraft cabin and are used as part of the applicable interior material certification process.

ACES operates three in-house heat-release test devices. The equipment was designed and constructed by ACES, allowing ongoing preventive maintenance and providing redundancy to help minimize equipment-related downtime.

This test method is commonly referred to as OSU 65/65 Heat Release Testing.

Smoke Density testing determines the smoke-emission characteristics of aircraft cabin materials when test specimens are exposed to a burner flame and radiant heat.

Testing can be used to demonstrate compliance with applicable requirements of 14 CFR § 25.853(d).

Toxicity Testing

ACES also offers toxicity testing to evaluate the combustion products generated when aircraft materials are exposed to fire. Testing can be performed to support applicable regulatory requirements, including those associated with 14 CFR Part 25, Appendix F, as well as requirements defined within customer-supplied specifications.

Toxicity evaluation may be performed on materials including:

  • Plastics
  • Composite materials
  • Textiles
  • Coatings

Together, smoke-density and toxicity testing provide information about both smoke generation and the combustion products produced when aircraft materials are exposed to fire.

Applicable CFRs

  • 14 CFR § 25.853(d)

  • 14 CFR Part 25, Appendix F

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ACES provides testing of Fire Containment Covers (FCCs) and Unit Load Devices (ULDs) to support compliance with Technical Standard Order TSO-C203.

Certification programs can include a progression of sub-level tests and evaluations before advancing to the complete six-hour fire-containment test. These preliminary evaluations allow materials, assemblies, construction methods, and other design characteristics to be examined earlier in the development process before committing to a full-scale qualification test.

Fire Containment Testing Capabilities

Material & Component Evaluation Preliminary testing can be used to evaluate individual materials, components, seams, closures, or construction details before they are incorporated into a complete fire-containment system.
Puncture Testing ACES' recently added puncture-testing capability allows applicable materials and assemblies to be evaluated for resistance to puncture and related physical damage as part of the broader qualification process.
Design Development Support Results from sub-level testing can provide useful information for refining materials, construction methods, and other design details before the full-scale test.
Full Six-Hour Burn Test Once the applicable preliminary work is complete, ACES can conduct the full six-hour fire-containment test used for final evaluation of the complete FCC or ULD system.
Lavatory Waste Compartment Fire Containment Evaluates aircraft lavatory waste compartments and waste receptacles for their ability to contain a fire originating within the compartment. Testing supports compliance with 14 CFR § 25.853(e).

Lavatory Waste Compartment Testing

ACES can evaluate aircraft lavatory waste compartments and waste receptacles to determine their ability to contain a fire originating within the compartment.

Testing supports demonstration of compliance with 14 CFR § 25.853(e), which addresses the fire-containment performance required for receptacles used for the disposal of flammable waste materials in aircraft lavatories.

Test programs can evaluate the complete waste-compartment assembly, including the receptacle, surrounding enclosure, door or access panel, seals, and other features that may affect the installation's ability to contain a fire.

Full-scale FCC and ULD testing is conducted in ACES' 2,400-square-foot laboratory dedicated to large-scale testing. ACES DERs and trained laboratory technicians can support the complete test process, including assembly of the fire load, installation of the test article, execution of the six-hour test, and post-test fire extinguishment.

Test Monitoring & Data Collection

  • Climate-controlled observation room for safe on-site witnessing
  • Camera coverage of all four corners of the test article for monitoring and recording
  • Thermographic imaging to identify temperatures and the location of hot spots within the test article
  • Configurable thermocouple fixture supporting any arrangement of up to 15 thermocouples, with additional thermocouples available when required
Sub-level testing can provide customers with valuable performance information before a full six-hour test, helping identify potential design issues earlier in the qualification process.

Applicable CFRs

  • 14 CFR § 25.853(e)

Learn More

ACES provides battery testing and battery flammability testing for containment bags, boxes, protective systems, and related devices intended for aviation applications.

Testing can be used to evaluate how effectively a system manages the heat, flame, smoke, and other fire-related effects that may occur during a battery failure or abnormal battery event.

When battery-containment products are intended for use aboard aircraft, the materials used in their construction may also require separate flammability certification testing based on the applicable aircraft application and certification basis.

Thermal Runaway

Thermal runaway is an emerging area of interest within aviation battery safety as battery technology and aircraft applications continue to evolve. While dedicated regulatory requirements for thermal-runaway testing are still developing, ACES can support evaluation programs intended to better understand battery behavior, containment performance, and fire-related risks associated with these events.

Battery testing requirements can vary significantly based on battery chemistry, containment design, construction materials, intended aircraft use, and customer-specific requirements. ACES can work with customers to identify an appropriate test approach for the application.
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Remote test witnessing is available across ACES' testing capabilities, allowing customers, engineering teams, certification representatives, suppliers, and other authorized project stakeholders to observe testing without requiring everyone to travel to the laboratory.

Live remote access can be incorporated into the test program so participants from multiple organizations and locations can observe the same test in real time. This can simplify project coordination, reduce travel requirements, and allow a broader group of technical stakeholders to participate directly in the witnessing process.

Designed for Multi-Party Projects

The capability is scalable for projects involving numerous participants. On a recent Spirit test, ACES supported 47 remote viewers representing multiple companies during a single test event, demonstrating the ability to accommodate large, geographically distributed project teams.

Available Across Test Types Remote witnessing can be incorporated into flammability, structural, mechanical, environmental, dynamic, and other applicable ACES test programs.
Multiple Stakeholders Customers can include participants from engineering, certification, manufacturing, suppliers, and other organizations involved in the project.
Reduced Travel Remote participation allows technical stakeholders to witness testing without requiring every participant to be physically present at the ACES facility.
Real-Time Observation Authorized participants can observe the test as it is conducted, helping maintain visibility and communication throughout the test event.
Remote witnessing can be discussed during test planning so the appropriate access and viewing requirements can be incorporated into the program before testing begins.