Engineer-led testing of flexible hoses, rigid tubes, coils, fittings and similar pressure-containing assemblies for aerospace powerplant applications
Resonate provides SAE AS1055 fire testing for flexible hoses, rigid tubes, coils, fittings and similar aerospace fluid-system assemblies. Programmes can include burner calibration, working pressure, fluid circulation, vibration and instrumentation to represent the approved test configuration.
SAE AS1055 defines fire-test requirements for complete flexible hose, rigid tube, coil, fitting and similar pressure-containing fluid-system assemblies used in aircraft powerplant installations.
Resonate provides SAE AS1055 fire testing for flexible hoses, rigid tubes, coiled assemblies, fittings, and other aerospace fluid system components. Each test programme is developed around the applicable certification requirements and flight-representative hardware, ensuring that the test configuration accurately reflects the intended installation. Where required by the approved test method, burner calibration, system pressurisation, fluid circulation, airflow simulation, vibration, and comprehensive instrumentation are incorporated to replicate in-service conditions as closely as possible.
The selection of the correct system fluid is essential to achieving representative and meaningful fire test results. Fluid properties such as specific heat capacity, boiling point, thermal stability, decomposition products, and compatibility with elastomeric seals can significantly influence component performance during fire exposure. System design features, including pressure relief devices and flow characteristics, may also affect the response of the assembly under test.
To ensure the highest level of test fidelity, Resonate is one of the few laboratories worldwide capable of conducting fire testing using the full range of aerospace fluids, including Skydrol® hydraulic fluids. This capability allows testing to be performed under conditions that closely replicate the operational environment, providing greater confidence in the relevance and validity of the qualification data.
Early review confirms the applicable AS1055 revision, Class A or Class B requirement, production configuration and acceptance criteria before fixtures are committed.
Share the assembly drawings, hose or tube construction, fittings, seals, firesleeve details, operating fluid conditions, pressure, flow, vibration and reporting needs.
AS1055 is the product-test standard. SAE AIR1377 addresses test equipment and calibration, while FAA Engineering Report No. 3A provides the historical apparatus, airflow, vibration and fluid-circulation framework.
These references are complementary rather than interchangeable. The controlled test plan should identify the exact standard revision, certification basis, classification and any customer-specific procedure before testing begins.
The applicable regulation, installation hazard and certification basis determine the required classification—not the laboratory.
| Standard / Guidance | Primary Focus | Typical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| FAA AC 20-135 | Aircraft powerplant fire protection and fire testing | Guidance for demonstrating aircraft powerplant fire protection compliance. |
| ISO 2685 | Fire resistance testing of aircraft components | Environmental fire testing for aircraft components and structures in designated fire zones. |
| RTCA DO-160 Section 26 | Fire and flammability testing of airborne equipment | Fire and flammability qualification for aircraft equipment categories. |
| SAE AS6826 | Aircraft engine / powerplant fire-test methods and procedures | Standardise flam fire test guidance for powerplant components and associated equipment |
| Customer/ Airframer specifications | Programme-specific fire and flammability requirements | Standard flame fire-test guidance for powerplant components, used with the applicable certification basis and agreed acceptance criteria. |
Resonate’s documented facility uses a remotely controlled, carriage-mounted kerosene burner with separate warm-up, heat-transfer calibration, flame-temperature calibration and specimen-test areas. Burner orientation can be adjusted between horizontal and vertical.
Available measurements include flame and component temperature, heat transfer, pressure, flow, leakage, vibration and functional monitoring. Multiple-angle video and real-time data display can support witnessing and reporting.
Resonate Testing is UKAS accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 under Schedule 9373. The reviewed scope includes aircraft powerplant components and names SAE AS1055, SAE AIR/AS1377 and FAA Engineering Report No. 3A. Each enquiry remains subject to technical, safety, feasibility and scope review.
| Specification | Capability |
|---|---|
| Test type | SAE AS1055 fire testing of fluid-system assemblies |
| Nominal flame temperature | Near 1,093°C / 2,000°F; exact tolerance depends on the applicable revision and approved procedure |
| Classifications | Class A fire resistant: five minutes; Class B fireproof: 15 minutes |
| Component types | Flexible hoses, rigid tubes, coils, fittings, joints, seals and firesleeves |
| Combined conditions | Working pressure, fluid circulation, controlled airflow and vibration where required |
| Instrumentation | Firewalls, nacelles, ducts, valves, fuel and hydraulic systems, electrical enclosures, seals and penetrations |
| Assessment focus | Burner calibration, thermocouples, pressure or flow data, leakage observations and functional checks |
| Pass/Fail Evidence | Flame penetration, backside ignition, leakage, containment, structural integrity and required function |
| Planning support | AC 20-135, ISO 2685, RTCA DO-160 Section 26, SAE AS6826 or customer-defined requirements |
Plan: Review the certification basis, component function, applicable standard, fireproof or fire-resistant classification and acceptance criteria.
Prepare: Confirm fixtures, burner configuration, instrumentation, pressure or flow conditions, safety controls and required functional checks.
Mount and instrument: Install the hardware in a representative orientation and verify thermocouples, controls, fluid connections and observation points.
Calibrate and pre-check: Confirm flame temperature, burner position, operating conditions and pre-test condition of the article.
Expose: Apply the agreed fire exposure for the required duration, such as 5 minutes for fire resistant or 15 minutes for fireproof performance.
Observe: Monitor flame penetration, leakage, backside ignition, structural integrity and required function during or after exposure.
Review and report: Compile achieved conditions, observations, photographs, measurements and pass/fail evidence against the agreed criteria.
Component description, drawings, materials and intended installation location
Applicable standard, certification basis and customer specification
Fireproof or fire-resistant classification and required exposure duration
Mounting orientation, interfaces, penetrations, seals and fixture requirements
Pressure, fluid flow, airflow, mechanical loading or operating conditions to represent
Instrumentation needs, thermocouple locations and observation points
Functional checks required during or after exposure
Fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid, pressure, hazardous material or stored-energy safety information
Acceptance criteria for penetration, ignition, leakage, containment and function
Reporting, photographic evidence and witness requirements
Fireproof means the component can withstand a 2000°F ±150°F flame for at least 15 minutes while fulfilling its intended design purpose.
Fire resistant means the component can withstand a 2000°F ±150°F flame for at least 5 minutes while maintaining its intended function.
A designated fire zone is an aircraft area where fire hazards must be considered, such as engine compartments, nacelles, powerplant installations and related systems.
A firewall is a fire-protection barrier intended to prevent flame, heat or hazardous effects from spreading beyond the protected zone.
Flame penetration occurs when flame passes through, around or beyond the test article in a way that compromises the protected side or installation.
Backside ignition is ignition on the protected or cold side of the article, away from direct burner exposure.
A representative setup reflects the real installation as far as practical, including orientation, mounting, interfaces, penetrations, airflow, pressure and fluid conditions.
For aircraft powerplant fire testing, the concern is often what happens behind or beyond the flame-facing surface. A component may need to prevent flame penetration, avoid cold-side ignition, control hazardous leakage and maintain a required function while exposed to fire.
Containment risk should be reviewed early if the hardware includes fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid, seals, joints, penetrations, pressure boundaries, wiring, composite structures or insulation. The test plan should define how leakage, ignition, deformation and post-test condition will be observed and reported.
Aircraft components often need more than one qualification activity. Coordinating fire, vibration and environmental testing within one campaign helps reduce handover friction, align fixtures and documentation, and keep the engineering review connected across the full programme.
For projects that also need mechanical or environmental testing, review the related services before finalising the campaign sequence, evidence requirements and certification package.
Outputs are agreed before the test so the evidence matches the certification need. A typical package may include:
Recorded flame calibration pre and post test, temperature and BTU (test plan dependant), any UUT telemetry such as pressure, flow and agreed functional data
Evidence showing achieved fire exposure, duration, burner setup and monitoring points
Observations from setup, test execution and post-test review
Photographic evidence of the setup, exposure and post-test condition where agreed
Confirmation of required functional checks completed during or after exposure
An agreed test report or data pack aligned to the acceptance criteria and quotation scope
Book fire testing for aircraft powerplant components, firewalls, nacelle structures, fluid systems and equipment installed in designated fire zones. Use the contact route to share the requirement, drawings, installation assumptions or certification plan for review.
Whether you’re looking to contact us for the first time or have another testing requirement, we’d love to hear from you.
