* Fly-Bag lining
successfully contained blasts in series of controlled explosions
* Using this
technology, tests show plane’s luggage hold may be able to contain force of an
explosion if a device hidden in a passenger’s luggage detonates
(July 25, 2015) A
bomb-proof lining developed by an international team of scientists, including
academics from the University of Sheffield, has successfully contained blasts
in a series of controlled explosions in the luggage hold of a Boeing 747 and an
Airbus 321.
The Fly-Bag, which lines an aircraft’s luggage hold with
multiple layers of novel fabrics and composites, was tested under increasing
explosive charges on disused planes at Cotswolds Airport, near Cirencester,
this week.
Using this technology, the tests have demonstrated that a
plane’s luggage hold may be able to contain the force of an explosion should a
device concealed within a passenger’s luggage be detonated during a flight.
This would mitigate damage to the plane and help keep passengers safe.
After the tests, explosives were placed in the aircraft
without the lining to show the damage that could be caused.