Aircraft Seat Cushion Fuel Burn Test System

The Aircraft Seat Cushion Fuel Burn Test System is a dedicated aviation fire testing platform designed to evaluate the fuel fire performance, flame spread behavior, and combustion characteristics of aircraft seat cushions under controlled aviation fuel fire exposure. The system integrates the FAA-approved NexGen aviation fuel burner with a specialized seat cushion test frame and dynamic motion system, enabling realistic simulation of aircraft cabin fire scenarios while accurately controlling and monitoring fuel and air parameters. Its modular architecture supports both current certification testing and future FAA technical upgrades.

Application

This system is applicable to aviation fuel fire testing of materials and components used in aircraft cabins, with a primary focus on:

Aircraft seat cushions

Seat cushion assemblies

Cushion covers and padding materials

Composite seat components related to fire performance

The FAA-approved NexGen burner provides standardized aviation fuel flame exposure, while the dedicated seat cushion test frame and dynamic motion system allow direct assessment of flame behavior, burning characteristics, and dripping performance under representative test conditions.

Standards

The system is designed to support testing in accordance with the following aerospace fire safety standards:

BSS 7303 – Combustion performance and flame spread behavior of aerospace composite materials

AITM 2.0009 – Determination of flame spread characteristics of aerospace materials

FAR Part 25 Appendix F Part II – Aircraft cabin material combustion, flame spread, and smoke toxicity requirements

Parameters

Features

Uses the FAA-approved NexGen aviation fuel burner, developed to replace discontinued legacy burners (Park DPL 3400. Lennox OB-32. Carlin 200 CRD).

Retains the operating principles of previous burner generations while allowing more precise measurement of fuel and air test parameters.

Modular design supports future FAA upgrades without replacing the entire system.

The burner cone is fabricated from corrosion-resistant and high-temperature alloy for durability in severe thermal conditions.

The NexGen burner includes baffle, fuel nozzle, igniter, fuel rail, mounting plates, ventilation duct, housing, muffler, and acoustic resistance components.

Equipped with fuel pressure gauge, fuel solenoid valve, fuel temperature sensor, air pressure regulator, and air temperature sensor for stable control.

A temperature-controlled ice bath system (≥ 2 × 0.14 m³) allows regulation of fuel temperature before combustion.

Flame characteristics can be adjusted by changing the fuel nozzle and air pressure to meet different standard requirements.

The burner is covered with a thermal insulation blanket to protect fuel lines and the burner body.

Capable of delivering flame temperature of at least 2000 ± 50 ℉ and heat flux of at least 10.6 W/cm².

Mounted on a powder-coated steel frame with integrated digital scale for accurate positioning and measurement.

Includes a calibrated load cell weighing system.

Features a movable seat cushion test fixture and a movable drip collection tray.

Calibration uses a thermocouple comb composed of seven grounded K-type thermocouples (1.6 mm diameter, ceramic-insulated, metal-sheathed, 30 AWG wire), fixed on an angle bracket for standardized placement on the specimen frame.

Includes a radiant heat flux sensor with cooling system, installed on a fixed support bracket.

Accessories

The system is supplied with the following components:

NexGen aviation fuel burner

Seat cushion test frame

Dynamic motion system

Fuel temperature control ice bath

Thermocouple calibration comb

Radiant heat flux sensor with cooling unit

Powder-coated steel support frame with digital scale

Movable seat cushion test fixture

Movable drip collection tray

Burner thermal insulation blanket

Test Procedures

Mount the aircraft seat cushion specimen on the designated test frame.

Connect aviation kerosene supply and compressed air (≥120 PSI).

Set and stabilize fuel temperature using the ice bath system.

Adjust air pressure and fuel parameters according to the selected standard.

Ignite the NexGen burner and allow the flame to stabilize.

Position the flame relative to the specimen and begin exposure.

Monitor flame temperature and heat flux using thermocouples and sensors.

Observe flame spread, burning behavior, and dripping characteristics.

Record test data and evaluate results according to the applicable standard.

Maintenance Information

To ensure reliable and consistent operation:

Clean the fuel nozzle regularly to prevent blockage.

Inspect fuel lines and valves for leakage before each test.

Calibrate thermocouples and heat flux sensors periodically.

Replace the burner insulation blanket if damaged or degraded.

Maintain proper ventilation in the test area.

Keep the compressed air system dry and free from oil contamination.

Verify load cell calibration before formal certification tests.

FAQ

1. What is the core advantage of this product?

The core advantage is the use of the FAA-approved NexGen burner, which provides more accurate control of fuel and air parameters, improved repeatability, and built-in capability for future FAA upgrades, combined with a dedicated aircraft seat cushion test configuration.

2. Are the test results reliable?

Yes. The system uses calibrated thermocouples, controlled fuel temperature, stable air pressure regulation, standardized heat flux measurement, and a calibrated load cell, ensuring high repeatability and traceability of test results.

3. Which international/industry standards does it comply with?

The system supports testing in accordance with BSS 7303. AITM 2.0009. and FAR Part 25 Appendix F Part II.

4. Why is this product important?

It enables realistic evaluation of fire performance and fuel burn behavior of aircraft seat cushions, directly supporting aviation safety certification, material qualification, and regulatory compliance.

5. Which fields is this product suitable for?

This system is suitable for:

Aerospace testing laboratories

Aircraft manufacturers

Seat and interior material suppliers

Certification and regulatory bodies

Fire research institutes

Composite and insulation material R&D centers