USAF replaces AFFF with environmentally friendly foam
The US Air Force has replaced the legacy Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) in fire vehicles and stockpiles across the service with a new environmentally responsible perfluorooctane sulfonate free firefighting foam.
The air force awarded a $6.2 million contract to ICL Performance Products in August 2016 for the supply of 418,000 gallons of Phos-Chek 3%. The transition will reduce the risk of mission-related contamination to drinking water sources.
The legacy AFFF contained Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), two perfluorinated compounds that persist in the environment and may be a potential health concern. To protect the environment further, the air force limits the use of AFFF to emergency responses, treats all releases as hazardous spills and takes immediate action to ensure containment and removal.
In total, 176 bases have been transitioned to the new firefighting foam. The service also began retrofitting fire vehicles with an eco-logic system which enable fire protection testing without AFFF discharges earlier in 2018. The initiative – which includes retrofitting approximately 850 fire trucks – is expected to be finished by December 2018.
The air force is also replacing AFFF contained in aircraft hangar fire protection systems in conjunction with hangar renovations. Unlike mobile fire trucks, AFFF in hangars is contained in a stationary location — a more controlled environment. The projects are expected to be finished by the end of 2018.
The new foam provides essential burn-back resistance, protection against vapour release and rapidly extinguishes fire.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Global Ordnance and Sparkz disclose plans for 500,000 US-made UAV batteries a year]()
Global Ordnance and Sparkz disclose plans for 500,000 US-made UAV batteries a year
The companies have outlined plans for US$25 million manufacturing lines and initial deliveries in 2027 as Washington tightens restrictions on Chinese UAV components.
-
![US military seeks common controllers for drones and robotic systems]()
US military seeks common controllers for drones and robotic systems
US Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Special Operations Command initiatives signal demand for interoperable uncrewed systems control, creating opportunities for suppliers of hardware, software and integration services.
-
![“Start planning much earlier”: delivering defence support in an era of disruption]()
“Start planning much earlier”: delivering defence support in an era of disruption
In Conversation… The geopolitical landscape is increasingly uncertain, with the UK and its allies confronting the most unpredictable international environment for decades. To adapt, defence readiness must begin long before assets reach the front line, forging a resilient support enterprise that can thrive in a time of ongoing disruption, argue the partners of Team ORION.
-
![“Communicating at mission speed”: why data security is essential for operational success]()
“Communicating at mission speed”: why data security is essential for operational success
In conversation… Everfox’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dave Wajsgras and Managing Director, International, Colin McKinty discuss the critical importance of information security in defence, minimising insider risk and the company’s international growth strategy with Shephard’s Andrew White.
-
![“Engage with the operational problem”: how software innovation can boost UK defence]()
“Engage with the operational problem”: how software innovation can boost UK defence
In Conversation… Shephard’s Andrew White talks to Zafer Şen, CEO and co-founder of OBSS, about the future of command-and-control software in the age of artificial intelligence, and his company’s ambitions in the UK defence market.
