Controlled Impact Demonstration 1984 Aircraft Crash Test using AMK Fuel

Courtesy: NASA On December 1st, 1984, a remote controlled 4 engined transport jet took off from Edwards AFB, CA and crashed into a barren patch of nearby desert. This Controlled Impact Demonstration was a joint R&D program by the FAA and NASA. The FAA designed the CID to underscore results of exhaustive research in two areas of aircraft safety: improved crash protection and reduced post-crash fire hazards.Despite the fact the crash did not go exactly as designed CIDdid achieve its primary objectives.The analysis of CID data continues. The CID’s crash wothiness tests were as important to the FAA as the fire safety tests. The crash protection objectives were: 1st: To obtain data on impact forces and their transmission thru the structure to the seats and occupants. 2nd: To evaluate the performance of existing and advanced energy absorbing seats. 3rd :To compare tests used to predict structural behaviour with an actual crash. AMK (anti-misting kerosene) fuel was employed in the test. The FAA has examined AMK’s potential for protecting commercial transports from ignition of misted fuels. All research indicated that AMK would be effective in preventing this problem. The CID was an opportunity to use AMK in a realistic, impact-survivable crash.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *