Sequencing of Multiple Chemical/Biological Aircraft Decontamination Agents

The DoD is interested in the development and demonstration of large frame aircraft decontamination processes that are capable of completely detoxifying both chemical and biological warfare agents without increasing susceptibility to corrosion or adversely affecting the performance, properties, or appearance of aircraft materials. Candidate decontamination processes may include processes like Hot Soapy Water (HSW), Cold Plasma treatment, Vaporous Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP), modified VHP (mVHP), DF-200, Decon Green, Ultraviolet (UV) light treatment and Hot Air Decontamination (HAD). Individually, these decontaminants show varying degrees of promise, but field implementation issues, the ability to achieve complete decontamination, excessive off gassing, and materials compatibility continue to be major concerns. It is postulated, that a combination of existing and/or emerging technologies could be utilized in a more effective manner to support complete CB destruction while minimizing adverse effects on aircraft materials, subsystems and operations. Under the proposed SBIR program, METSS will provide a review of candidate decontaminant technologies and experimentally evaluate/demonstrate the efficacy of select decontaminant materials and/or processes to effectively decontaminate aircraft surfaces with minimum impact on aircraft materials.