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BAE SYSTEMS partners with aim aviation to improve flight deck security

26 Apr 2002

BAE Systems Regional Aircraft has signed a contract with AIM Aviation for the joint development of reinforced flight deck doors and other security innovations for its regional airliner fleet. The new doors will meet the challenging compliance deadline set by the USA's FAA of 9th April 2003 for aircraft operating within US airspace.

While the basic requirement was to meet FAA and anticipated European JAA mandatory requirements, BAE Systems Regional Aircraft decided to go beyond this to offer a package of optional modifications which further enhance the security of its aircraft. Additional physical protection offered includes an armoured, shuttered viewing window from the flight deck into the cabin and impact and ballistic resistant bulkheads between the flight deck and forward vestibule. Other innovations include options for video monitoring of the cabin from the flight deck, a cabin emergency alert system and a method of preventing the transponder from being disabled in flight. This equipment can be used to alert Air Traffic Control to an emergency on-board.

An important consideration is for the modifications to support all current requirements concerning flight crew escape, emergency rescue access, flammability and decompression. In addition, they may have to be tailored for the complete range of BAE Systems regional aircraft: Avro RJ, 146, ATP, 748, Jetstream 41 and Jetstream 31/32, depending on the application of regulations to smaller aircraft and on demand from operators.

The highest priority is being given to the BAe146/ Avro RJ and Jetstream 41 types, which operate in the USA. The development test programme is well underway, using aircraft nose sections located at the AIM Aviation facility in Bournemouth, UK. Ballistic testing is already complete, with only impact resistance of the fitted door remaining to be proven.

The material chosen for the replacement flight deck door is a strengthened, glass-reinforced composite structure with a ballistic protection liner. The ballistic material is a high molecular weight, high strength polymer fibre in a polymer matrix. The new door, which is 27 mm thick, has already passed National Institute of Justice NIJ 0101.04 Level IIIA gunfire tests.

Alan Fraser, Managing Director of BAE Systems Regional Aircraft said: "We have accepted the challenge to go beyond regulatory requirements and to offer innovative security measures for our aircraft. This is an important commitment to our customers and to our corporate objectives to work for a safer world."

Peter Forbes, Managing Director of AIM Aviation said: "We are delighted to have been chosen by BAE Systems for this important security task. AIM Aviation has over forty years experience in the design and manufacture of aircraft interiors. Even prior to September 11th, we had been evaluating specialised materials for this type of application and this forward-looking approach gave us a head-start in responding to BAE Systems."