Abstract: A leak detection apparatus for aircraft bleed air systems includes a supporting spacer positioned within the shroud and supported upon the bleed air duct of the aircraft. A sleeve supported on the exterior of the shroud further supports a plenum having generally cylindrical sensor tubes through which sensor wire sets pass. A director positioned within the shroud above the bleed air duct is coupled to a generally cylindrical accumulator which in turn is in communication with the plenum. Appropriate apertures are provided to vent and direct bleed air from the shroud interior to the sensor wire sets and thereafter vent outwardly into cooler ambient air. The sensor wire sets respond to the temperature of the bleed air leakage to trigger alarm apparatus.

Abstract: A flexible muffler for use in an aircraft environmental system includes a flexible body having a porous inner layer and an air impervious outer layer both supported by a helically wound adhesively attached reinforcing cord. The flexible body includes a pair of connecting end caps at opposed ends thereof which are joined to the flexible body in an air tight attachment. The resulting muffler provides acoustic energy absorptive and is readily flexed and bent to accommodate space restrictions within the environmental control system of the aircraft.

Abstract: A leak detection apparatus for aircraft bleed air systems includes a supporting spacer positioned within the shroud and supported upon the bleed air duct of the aircraft. A sleeve supported on the exterior of the shroud further supports a plenum having generally cylindrical sensor tubes through which sensor wire sets pass. A director positioned within the shroud above the bleed air duct is coupled to a generally cylindrical accumulator which in turn is in communication with the plenum. Appropriate apertures are provided to vent and direct bleed air from the shroud interior to the sensor wire sets and thereafter vent outwardly into cooler ambient air. The sensor wire sets respond to the temperature of the bleed air leakage to trigger alarm apparatus.

Abstract: A flexible muffler for use in an aircraft environmental system includes a flexible body having a porous inner layer and an air impervious outer layer both supported by a helically wound adhesively attached reinforcing cord. The flexible body includes a pair of connecting end caps at opposed ends thereof which are joined to the flexible body in an air tight attachment. The resulting muffler provides acoustic energy absorptive and is readily flexed and bent to accommodate space restrictions within the environmental control system of the aircraft.

Abstract: A thermal protection system for use upon an air or space vehicle includes a plurality of thermal protection panels formed of a suitable ceramic matrix composition or other thermally protective material each panel having a continuous outer surface free of penetrations or apertures. A plurality of cooperating fasteners are secured between the outer surface of a host vehicle and the undersurface of the thermal protection panels. The fasteners utilize a latching mechanism to secure the panels to the surface of the host air or space vehicle without requiring penetrations or irregularities in the panel surfaces.

Abstract: A light-weight high-strength flame resistant flexible duct for use in the environmental control system of an air craft is formed of a generally circular cross section tube formed of a fluro-polymeric film joined along its length at an adhesive seam. The outer and inner surfaces of the tube are electronically treated to provide for enhanced adhesive bonding. A reinforcing cord formed of a self-reinforcing thermoplastic polymer is helically wound upon the tube and joined there to by adhesive.