What is the Firewall?
 

The title is clear i think :D

RE: What is the Firewall?
 

Basically, it's what the engine mounts to in the airplane.

Ken

RE: What is the Firewall?
 

And why is it called like that? Is fireproof or something? :D

RE: What is the Firewall?
 

I think it comes from the automobile industry. If there was an engine fire, the "firewall" would protect the passengers giving them time to get out. There are other types of firewalls in building construction, but the car firewall is the most relevant.

RE: What is the Firewall?
 

A "firewall" seperates the passenger compartment from the engine.

In the event of a fire in the engine, it helps keep the passengers safe.

It "walls off" the fire....

So cars, planes, trucks, etc. all have firewalls.

Since the term is so common, it has stuck with RC aircraft as well.

We name the airplane parts exactly the same as full size aircraft... e.g. elevators, ailerons, firewall, cowl, canopy, etc.

RE: What is the Firewall?
 

It resists flame penetration into the cockpit and cabin. It will not, however, keep smoke or other hazardous gasses from entering the cabin.

RE: What is the Firewall?
 

Ok, gotcha. thanks ;)

RE: What is the Firewall?
 

True all of the above. All full scale aircraft must have firewalls that meet certain fire resistance and containment standards and most often the firewall is a full bulkhead where the radial or beam type engine mounts protrude forward in to the cowling area.

In the case of our model aircraft there is no real effort at fire resistance or containment made however the in the same way as a full scale aircraft the bulkhead from which the radial mount (or standoffs) attaches or the beam mounts protrude forward is called and considered the 'firewall'.

John

RE: What is the Firewall?
 

So, now you confuse me. In the real planes, there is a fireproof firewall, right? Then, this "firewall" in our planes, is it fireproof? I don't see the reason but just asking.

RE: What is the Firewall?
 

NO, the firewall in the RC planes in most cases is made of strong aircraft plywood. In most cases there are blind nuts mounted on the back side. Bolts go through the engine mount, through the firewall to the back side and through the blind nuts to secure the mount. Then the engine is bolted to the engine mount. The "firewall" has to be glued securely to the fuselage of the plane because the prop on the engine pulls against the firewall which in turn pulls the plane forward. [8D]

RE: What is the Firewall?
 

In full scale airplanes (real planes) yes there must be a fire resistant 'firewall' There is no such thing as fireproof in practical materials. The need for this is obvious in the case of an inflight engine fire.

No in our models the 'Firewall' is not fire resistant and not normally attempted because there is no one on board and not needed.

John

RE: What is the Firewall?
 

Firewall is also the strongest, most enforced piece on a R/C plane.

RE: What is the Firewall?
 

On my planes, the strongest, most reinforced pieces are the landing gear blocks[sm=lol.gif][sm=lol.gif]

RE: What is the Firewall?
 

I've seen quite a few ARF's that this definitely wasn't the case!!!!! :D:D:D

Ken

RE: What is the Firewall?
 

I take it, that this is because you are doing this yourself!!! :D:D:D

RE: What is the Firewall?
 

I put mine in with Titebond II so they will pop off the frames instead of tearing out half the fuselage in a crunchy landing. Your choice.

RE: What is the Firewall?
 

Ok guys, thanks ;)

RE: What is the Firewall?
 

Yup!!![sm=thumbup.gif][sm=thumbup.gif]