Panther Sport Aircraft Forums

the entire fire wall made of aluminum would weigh 1.14 lbs. plus fire barrier, the SS would weigh 1.17 lbs. the SS is much less expensive.
Dan

Well said Paul


Rachel

It isn't that aluminum burns, it is that it melts at approx. 1200 degrees F, stainless melts at 2750 degrees F. The fire retardant is there to insulate the aluminum from the temperatures of a fire to keep it from melting as quickly. I definitely prefer SS for firewall forward.

Remember, that while melting is 1200 F, it will actually start to get soft in the 600 F range, which is well under the temp of a gas fed fire.

And as to weight savings, while 2024 is lighter than Stainless, there isn't much material in the firewall, and the amount of retardant that is put on will determine it's weight. But aluminum and retardant could easily weigh more than a SS firewall.

Paul

I understood that aluminum burns, very hot. Is that true and if so, why would it be acceptable for a firewall? I would use nothing but stainless and am real particular about my hoses and fittings. If a fire has nothing to burn, then the firewall has nothing to stop other than air and engine fumes.

Roger that we have used that before but it can look worn and tattered after a while... Been there done that.. I am also an LSA mfg since 2007 we went that route but like I said panther is doing it the preferred way.. that the way we do it to all our 5 LSA aircraft .. the weight you save will not add up to having to tear the engine off later on after the greese and oil statin it and after a while of relative wind beating the inside of the dog house and age. The SS firewall will look like new longer and can be easily cleaned to keep it's appearance but .. It is your plane just thought I would put another 5 cents worth of my two cents previously.. lol

but you did pick the right aircraft so my hats off to ya..

Doc

Thank you Doc & Dan for taking the time to re the info I know you guys are busy I did deside to go
with the 2024 backed with a fire retardent mat. saves a lot of weight --for a small engine instal --gas eco.--
Thanks again
george

Getting Ready to visit you again soon I have been raising funds to continue our project and just about there.... The Discovery channel has agreed to a three season contract to film the Making of the races...

It looks like wre going to be a big hit with the races...Can you say Panther Pride )))

Thanks Doc , you beat me to it... Hope you are doing well!

Perhaps I can help. I am doc Bailey owner of Renegade and I sit on the ASTM F-37 Executive committee. The LSA Standards for firewalls are either mesh fabric lining, aluminum 2024 is fine and or Stainless Steel which is the industry preferred standard.. What panther is doing is the preferred LSA method for firewall protection.

Doc Bailey

The firewall in the Panther is stainless steel, but I am not sure what the rules are.


Rachel