Foam test final step in Hangar 2 renovation

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Andrea Valencia
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 325th Civil Engineer Squadron tested the fire suppression system in Hangar 2 Wednesday.

The test was one of the last steps in the renovation process for Hangar 2, which began in February 2012. The renovation will provide needed space for the additional F-22 Raptors arriving spring of 2013.

"This facility was first constructed in 1959. Though it had been maintained over the years, a number of extensive repairs and upgrades were needed to support both aircraft maintenance and administrative operations," said Ramon Sellers, 325th CES project manager. "These included a new fire protection system for the entire facility, new office spaces, building siding, windows, and a roof repair."

In a real fire situation, the system fills the hangar with high expansion foam within minutes to protect both the planes and the Airmen who work on them.

"This is the test of the most important systems in the hangar," said Staff Sgt. Brittney Mendiola, 325th CES fire inspector. "We have to make sure the system does what it's supposed to to keep the planes and the building safe in case of a real fire."

The standard for the fire suppression system is four minutes; during the test the system filled the hangar with more than six feet of foam in less than two minutes.

It needs to cover 90 percent of the plane's silhouette in one minute. During the test, it only took 56 seconds to accomplish.

The high expansion foam extinguishes fires by forming a blanket, which cuts off the air feeding any possible fires. The foam also cools any burning materials, and helps to prevent re-ignition of the fire. The foam dissipates after it has been dispensed.

"Even though we filled a 26,000 square foot hangar bay with foam six feet deep a few hours ago, it is almost all gone," said Sellers. "Any residue will be cleaned from the floor."