STC Enables Halon-free Fire Extinguishers for Falcon 7X

Switzerland-based QCM Design has developed an EASA supplemental type certificate (STC) to replace Halon fire extinguishers in Dassault’s Falcon 7X. The change helps Falcon 7X operators meet EASA’s Regulation No 1005/2009, “which stipulates that the use of portable extinguishers which contain Halon on aircraft is no longer permitted after 2025,” according to the company.

The new extinguishers installed under the STC use European Union- and EASA-approved Halotron BrX fire-extinguishing agent, made by American Pacific of Cedar City, Utah. BrX is more suited to aviation applications because it has a “lower weight equivalence to Halon 1211,” according to American Pacific, due to its chain-breaking effect.

BrX includes bromine, a “chain-breaker atom which interferes with the chemical transitions necessary to support combustion.” The substance doesn’t leave any residue after application.

If the 7X’s configuration includes the standard two 5B:C and one 2A/10B:C extinguishers, the STC installation takes one day. If there are deviations, QCM Design can assess the best way to manage the changes. The company is also developing STCs for the Airbus A318 and A319 and expects approval by early 2025.