ADA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF151-127

Description

ABSTRACT:Over the course of their missions, Guardian Angel squadrons might encounter vehicles and aircraft fires in remote areas. In such a scenario, a lighter weight, more versatile, man-portable extinguisher would improve mission efficacy and reduce mission completion time. However, to realize this benefit, this extinguisher needs to be capable of suppressing class A and B fires, as well as thermally shielding critical assets in such a manner allowing their removal by a gloved hand. Because fire suppression and thermal shielding are two different functions achieved through different physical and chemical processes, ADA Technologies is proposing to develop a new multi-mode agent, made of a mixture of COTS fire suppressants and retardants (or thermal shields). By combining widely available, best-in-class, single-purpose agents, we expect that an affordable and highly versatile agent can be formulated and demonstrated. In Phase I, six such multi-mode agents will be manufactured in small quantities and tested on three small-scale fire scenarios: class A and class B fires, and hot metal surface insulation. This evaluation will lead to the identification of a new agent capable of meeting the GA Program performance objectives at reasonable weight and cost.BENEFIT:A next generation fire agent capable of tackling a multitude of tasks including fighting class A and B fires and providing an insulating layer on a hot metal surface would greatly enhance the GA/PJ rescue capabilities. By carrying a single, lightweight, piece of equipment they could address a number of scenarios involving an aircraft or ground vehicle fire more effectively than today. Due to the risks involved in GA/PJ missions, being able to quickly address a fire situation and successfully complete the mission is critical and can be the difference when a life is in the balance. In tense and hazardous settings, speed and efficacy are vital. The multi-mode agent development proposed by ADA Technologies is a first step towards providing GA/PJ squadrons an urgently needed new tool. The proposed multi-mode agent has potential commercial applications in DoD and non-DoD markets. Besides portable extinguishers for Special Forces such as the GA/PJ, the new agent holds intriguing potential for application in aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) vehicles, a large military and civilian market dominated today by class B foam (AFFF). These vehicles provide rapid fire suppression services to all airports and are mandated by the FAA in the US. Other markets can also be envisioned, such as protection of bus engine compartments and ship engine rooms.