CFRP firewall tested for Airbus

An adapted version of a composite bulkhead that safeguards satellites during their ascent on the ESA-developed Ariane 5 launch vehicle has been tested for service serve aboard single aisle Airbus aircraft. Fitted in the rear tail cone, it would serve as a firewall to protect passengers in the event of the rear auxiliary power unit engine catching fire or the main cabin pressure bulkhead rupturing. Spanish company CITD adapted their 'crumpled petal' CFRP design. From left to right: Javier Vazquez (Airbus R&T Engineer), Marta G-Cosio (CiTD Aerospace director), Alejandro Soler (CiTD Optimisation Engineer).