FAA Tests Aviator 440 for Aircraft Smoke Detector Testing
Aviation safety demands precision — especially in the certification of smoke detection systems. In the FAA’s comprehensive study on artificial smoke sources, the Aviator 440, manufactured by Concept Engineering Ltd and supplied by Corona Integrated Technologies Inc., demonstrated exceptional performance across all key metrics.
The FAA evaluated several smoke generators to determine their suitability for use in qualification testing of false alarm–resistant smoke detectors in aircraft cargo compartments. To be effective, the smoke generators needed to:
- Mimic the particle size and light-scattering properties of smoldering fires,
- Produce consistent levels of light obscuration,
- Ensure reliable vertical smoke transport to ceiling-mounted detectors,
- Operate repeatably under controlled conditions.
Aviator 440 — Proven Performance
Realistic Particle Size Distribution
The Aviator 440 was engineered to produce aerosols with a particle size distribution closely resembling that of real smouldering fires — a critical benchmark in FAA testing. The average particle diameter was in the ideal range for interaction with optical smoke detectors, avoiding the unrealistic fine particulates seen in other systems.
This alignment with real-world fire signatures ensures that the Aviator 440 delivers credible and meaningful test results, rather than triggering detectors through unnatural or exaggerated aerosol characteristics.
Stable and Consistent Smoke Output
A key strength of the Aviator 440 was its ability to generate a stable and repeatable plume of oil-based aerosol. The system maintained steady-state light obscuration levels around 25%/ft, meeting the FAA’s target for detector sensitivity testing.
This consistency is vital for repeatable certification procedures and ensures confidence in the test environment — run after run.
Strong Vertical Transport for Detector Activation
The FAA highlighted the importance of vertical transport in assessing detector response. The Aviator 440 produced vertical smoke movement well within the required threshold, delivering consistent plume rise velocities that ensured smoke reached the detectors across different ceiling heights (1.0m and 1.2m configurations were tested).
This capability supports its use in both wide-body and narrow-body aircraft cargo configurations, where ceiling height can significantly affect detector response times.
Aligned with Certification Needs
The Aviator 440’s performance profile directly supports the FAA’s aim to standardise the use of artificial smoke sources in testing next-generation detectors. Its combination of:
- Realistic aerosol properties,
- Repeatable obscuration levels,
- Strong vertical dispersion, and
- Ease of use in controlled test setups
…makes it an ideal candidate for certification and compliance testing under FAA guidance and beyond.
In Summary
The Aviator 440, distributed by Concept Engineering Ltd, emerged from FAA testing as one of the most technically capable and representative smoke generators for use in aircraft cargo smoke detection evaluation.
Its ability to reliably simulate real fire conditions — without introducing artefacts or inconsistencies — marks it out as a benchmark tool in the ongoing development of false alarm–resistant detection systems.
For more information, visit www.conceptsmoke.com or view the full FAA report: https://www.fire.tc.faa.gov/pdf/03-34.pdf
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