HB 5469 Civil Aircraft Cabin Combustion Test Method of Non-Metallic Materials

In the HB 5469 standard, test types, test equipment, samples, test requirements, test procedures and test reports for the combustion test of non-metallic materials in the cabin of civil aircraft are defined. This standard is designed to determine the combustion performance of non-metallic materials in the cabin of civil aircraft.

The main test methods defined in this standard are:

• Vertical burning test
• Horizontal combustion test
• 45 degree inclined combustion test
• 60 degree inclined combustion test

The sample sizes used in these tests are as follows:

• Vertical combustion test specimen: 305 × 76 mm
• Horizontal combustion test specimen: 305 × 76 mm
• 45 degree inclined combustion test specimen: 254 x 254 mm
• 60 degree inclined combustion test specimen: at least 762 mm

Other standards related to these tests are:

• Combustion test of non-metallic materials inside the cabin of HB 5470 civil aircraft
• HB 6577 Test method for smoke density of non-metallic materials inside civil aircraft cabin
• HB 7066 Determination of toxic gases produced by the combustion of non-metallic materials in the engine room of civil aircraft

The use of magnesium, plastic, fabric and wood in aircraft construction has almost disappeared since the 1950s. While aluminum constituted 80 percent of airframes in those years, today about 15 percent of airframes are made of aluminum and aluminum alloys. These materials have now been replaced by non-metallic aircraft materials such as reinforced plastics and advanced composites. Naturally, new test methods are now being developed to determine the combustion behavior of such materials.

Today, two groups of transparent plastic materials are used in aircraft canopies, windshields, and windows. Thermoplastic materials soften when heated and harden when cooled. These materials can be heated until they soften and then shaped as desired. They retain this shape when cooled. Thermoset plastics, on the other hand, harden when heated, and reheating has no softening effect.

Among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses, and evaluations our organization provides for businesses in various sectors, we also offer combustion testing services for non-metallic materials inside civil aircraft cabins, in accordance with the HB 5469 standard, thanks to our trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment .