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AMC 31HB.45(c) Fuel cells

ED Decision 2011/013/R

The restraint of a full fuel cell (e.g. straps) should not detach under typical high g-loads experienced during a hard or fast landing.

In case of fuel cells supported at the lower end by the basket floor or other structure, the straps and buckle restraining a fuel cell shall be designed as applicable to a horizontal limit load of 6.0g and upward limit load of 2.0g. The factor of safety of 1.50 is applicable to these fuel cell straps.

The strap and buckle design should be shown to maintain sufficient pre-tensioned after a flight to withstand the upward limit load of 2.0g. The handling of the strap and buckle shall allow proper pre-tension, reliable locking, but also easy release e.g. for emergency fuel cell removal. Industry standards like EN 12195-2, ASTM D3950 or equivalent using the appropriate strap type and grade are considered appropriate standards.

Consideration of applied loads on fuel cells should include handling and transport cases.

[Amdt No.: 31HB/1]