Abstract: The invention is a fire suppression system for an aircraft 10 of the type having a main cabin compartment 12, such as a passenger compartment and a plurality of closable or closed-off subcompartments. These subcompartments can be any area which is separated by fixed structure from the main cabin and therefore are normally not accessible. The fire suppression system comprises a plurality of ducts 57 coupling a plurality of subcompartments 14, 15, 22 to the main compartment. The plurality of ducts 57 have first ends of the ducts 57 terminate in nozzles 58 within the subcompartments adapted to distribute the fire suppression chemical in a specific pattern and second ends terminating in disconnect valve halves 59 accessible from the main cabin compartment. A portable unit 30 having a tank 42 filled with a fire suppression chemical under pressure is moveable within the main compartment 12. Preferably, the fire suppression chemical is Halon stored under nitrogen gas pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a convenient and reliable means to evacuate smoke from an interior cabin (30) of a pressurized aircraft (20) by providing a normally closed smoke evacuation outlet (102) in the skin (108) of the aircraft in fluid communication with a relatively large area smoke disposal chute (114) extending upwardly from the cabin's ceiling (50), whereby upon the activation of the outlet, the smoke (106) (that otherwise would rise to and collect below the ceiling of the cabin until the whole cabin is full of smoke) will be discharged into the external airstream, with the differential pressure between the relatively high pressure in the cabin and the relatively low pressure in the external atmosphere (particularly at the high cruising altitudes associated with the operation of modern transport aircraft) providing the actual motive power.

Abstract: The conventional potable water distribution system (310, 318) or other water supply system conventionally provided in passenger aircraft and other large passenger vehicles such as boats and trains may be modified to provide a convenient source of water under high pressure (300, 302) for fire suppression purposes. A mobile cart (10) that can be conveniently stowed inside the passenger area is provided with a source of foaming agent (132, 134), a mixing nozzle (148), and the required valves and hoses (128, 142, 150). A plurality of pressurized water outlets may be located throughout the passenger area. The cart's water inlet hose (128) is provided with a suitable quick connect/disconnect fitting (130). In order to provide the greatest versatility and effectiveness, the mixing nozzle (148) is provided with a convenient control (168) whereby the operator may choose between a heavy mist of plain water, a relatively dense foam, or a relatively light foam.

Abstract: Flammable fluid or other incendiary matter (204) contained aboard an aircraft may be removed from the aircraft's interior by means of a special purpose disposal device that utilizes the differential in pressure between the pressurized interior of a modern aircraft and the external airstream. The device itself comprises a main intake nozzle, an intermediate wand portion which is connected to the intake nozzle and in fluid communication therewith and a flexible hose provided with a quick connect fitting for connecting the device to a suitable outlet fitting in the skin of the aircraft. Preferably, several such outlet fittings are provided so that the device can be utilized at different locations within the aircraft's interior without requiring an excessively long hose. Each of the outlets is normally closed by means of a disk-shaped plug held in a flush position with respect to the aircraft's outer surface by means of a removable retainer ring.