Transport Armor / Containment Device

Engine Debris Containment Device

Aircraft turbine compressor assemblies have been known to have catastrophic compressor wheel failures subsequent to high hourly usage. These failures cause multiple separations, usually tri-lobe, resulting in three relatively large, high mass, high velocity chunks of fragmentation. The housing themselves are completely unable to contain these fragments which exit with residual velocities typically in excess of 259 miles per hour (380 feet per second). This velocity coupled with the fragment mass will continue to exit the aircraft and cause damage, severe fatal injuries or death, if struck.

This patent pending containment device completely retains the fragmentation within the assembly, precluding substantial aircraft damage or physical injury to personnel within the throw radius of the fragment.

• Magnesium compressor housing with aluminum test form and first form, fit and function prototype.

• Housing boss alignment and speciality checks, to ensure inner shield sheet clears housing by .010" radially.

• Appropriate alignment and centering of all mounting bosses and lugs.

• Appropriate alignment and centering of all mounting bosses and lugs.

• Alignment checks and mounting holes for all hardware. This igniter along with fuel lines needs to be in strict alignment to avoid rubbing from operational vibration.

• These photos show even alignment of edges, mounting holes and cutouts.

• These photos show even alignment of edges, mounting holes and cutouts.

• These photos show even alignment of edges, mounting holes and cutouts.

• Magnesium compressor housing with aluminum test form and first form, fit and function prototype.

• Housing boss alignment and speciality checks, to ensure inner shield sheet clears housing by .010" radially.

The final units met the following production criteria:

• 300+° F continuous operating temperature rating.
• Non-hydroscopic finished composition.
• Non-flammable, self-extinguishing finished composition.
• Resistant to hydraulic fluids and jet fuels.
• Light weight – 10.44 pounds bare completed composite unit, 13.47 pounds completed composite unit with aluminum inner liner.
• Ballistic threat reduction criteria exceeded, without composite unit being destroyed.

• This series of photographs show a final fitted containment/retention shield mounted to a T-62 APU unit with all ancilliary hardware, fittings, and anti-twist brace. The actual composite weight is 4.17 pounds per square foot. The total nominal thickness is .750" inches.