AIRCRAFT CARRIER FLIGHT DECK FIRE FIGHTING TACTICS AND EQUIPMENT EVALUATION TESTS

Abstract

Following the crash of an EA-6B aircraft on the flight deck of the USS NIMITZ on May 26, 1981, an extensive research program was undertaken to address possible deficiencies in shipboard fire fighting procedures and systems and to identify potential areas for improvement. The test program included evaluation of existing shipboard equipment, such as handlines, the flight deck washdown system and the P-16 fire-fighting vehicle, as well as proposed improvements such as high flow rate monitors (up to 12,000 gpm), hose tie-down devices and robots. The effectiveness of both water and aqueous film forming foam in cooling ordinance exposed to a hydrocarbon pool fire was also investigated.