The US FAA has conducted new research that shows that lithium batteries can explode and burn more severely than previously thought. The report raises issues concerning their use and shipment on passenger aircraft.
The FAA instigated the tests partly as a response to the widespread drive towards the “paperless cockpit”, which has seen airlines replace paper documentation with electronic tablet devices, all of which contain lithium-ion batteries.
The FAA’s findings, posted on the agency’s website, raised an even bigger issue beyond on-board device usage, as the manufacturers of the battery cells commonly ship the products in bulk in the cargo holds of passenger aircraft.
Fires involving lithium batteries have brought down two cargo aircraft since 2010, and prompted the FAA to ground the B787 in 2013. Both FedEx and United Parcel Service are installing advanced fire-protection systems on their aircraft to combat battery-fed fires.
An ICAO working group of officials from regulators, airlines, unions and battery manufacturers is scheduled to meet on September 9th in Cologne, Germany, to address the new research and determine whether additional restrictions are needed.
FAA report issued on lithium battery fire risk
