Kidde Aerospace & Defense

Kidde Technologies is a key supplier of advanced fire detection and suppression systems for high-risk industries such as military and aviation. Operating under Collins Aerospace, a division of RTX, Kidde provides a broad range of fire safety solutions for military aircraft and ground vehicles, protecting equipment, crew and cargo in harsh and unwelcome environments.

The fire detection and protection systems manufactured by Kidde Technologies employ optical, infrared imaging, and thermal technology to not only ensure false alarms do not occur, but also to provide efficient, real-time danger indications that can prompt action and prevent sometimes lethal accidents.

All our products are field-tested for ground vehicles and other uses to remain mission-ready and validate potential threats on time, building trust for our clients worldwide. As of this moment, over 275,000 vehicles in more than 20 countries have been using Collins Aerospace automatic fire explosion/suppression (AFES) systems.

Automatic Fire Explosion/Suppression Systems: From detection to suppression in milliseconds

Kidde AFES are equipped with Dual Spectrum® sensors that accurately and promptly detect fires and explosions in mechanical systems within 120-150 milliseconds, tackling the challenge of efficiently preventing explosive fires that may lead to casualties and damage.

Main battle tanks such as this M1 Abrams have used Kidde automatic fire extinguisher systems as standard since the 1980s.

Kidde also supply conventional fire extinguishers for tackling blazes in vehicles.

The Kidde’s in vehicle sensor identifies and prevents fires inside vehicle compartments.

Recent conflicts have identified the need for additional fire suppression to protect vehicle fuel tanks, engine compartments and tires.

Kidde fire suppression systems are currently used by a wide range of vehicles, including HMMWVs, MRAPs, APCs and MBTs.

Important challenges to overcome through this technology are deflagration speed, false alarms, harsh environments and their impact on equipment, as well as faults in a vehicle’s electrical grid, which can compromise missions. Kidde’s fire prevention systems eliminate the threat through durable integrated sensors that inform users of any flames or changes in temperature.

For fire detection, Kidde offers the following:

• Infrared detectors with two ray emission lines, ensuring high error alertness
• Electronic point sensors with fast-responding NTC resistors and durable housing
• Mechanical point detectors to indicate whether a fixed temperature is exceeded
• Linear sensor/temperature sensor, which triggers the fire-fighting system

Fire suppression solutions are also versatile, and their range includes:

• Fire extinguishers to use both inside and outside your vehicle – a high flow rate is provided through a fast-open valve in steel containers
• Fire extinguishing tube system, which is a fixed-mount tube system that can be installed on the roof or under the floor
• Nozzles, which properly cover all surfaces and carry a protection cap for extended periods of inactivity
• Standalone system, integrating all parts of the fire suppression system into one unit

High-rate fire safety sensors for defense applications

The core features for Kidde’s Dual Spectrum® fire detection and suppression sensors entail ultra-fast detection and military-grade reliability, rendering the company’s fire safety offering a perfect solution to high-risk thermal and environmental threats to combat vehicles and aircraft.

Dual Spectrum® optical and infrared (IR) sensors lie at the centre of its defense technology, with the ability to identify explosive fire indications in an ultra-fast way, while spotting false alarms. When a threat is detected, it points to a change in energy levels that has been detected and flag to ensure it does not lead to a fire or explosion. Especially in high-risk military operations, this can lead to saving thousands of lives.

The sensors are patented to operate in adverse conditions of oil, smoke, dirt, and more, detecting fire in enclosed armoured personnel carriers. In addition to high-speed sensors, Kidde also provides a tactical wheeled vehicle controller that brings together system control and interface functions into a single unit that acts as a command hub for the sensors and boosts their timely detection capabilities, all in a lightweight and easily maintained solution.

Depending on use and operational threat, the Dual Spectrum® Infrared Sensor PM-34CBEH and the Infrared Sensor PM-34CSBEH are both exceptionally efficient in promptly detecting fire and preventing false-alarm triggers.

About Kidde

Kidde was founded in 1917 and has been known for its high-quality fire safety products for military vehicles and aircraft. Its founder, Walter Kidde, produced the first integrated smoke detection and CO2 extinguishing system, leading the way in making the world a safer place to live. Today, the company’s products and services are used by clients globally, helping safeguard lives by alerting to danger earlier and prompting action.

Its commitment to fire safety moves beyond state-of-the-art equipment and extends to community initiatives and collaborations with builders and dealers, and to partnering with non-profits, so that communities remain protected in the best possible way. Our values include integrity, inclusion, innovation, and excellence in what we do.