Project 07 · Aerospace · R&D

Temperature-control skids for full-scale aircraft fire testing.

ClientONERA (French aerospace)
LocationFrance · Pyrénées
SkidsThree skid-in-a-box
Range−30 °C → +160 °C
Project overview

A unique test platform for aircraft fire scenarios.

Technofrigo by Clauger's expertise in process-fluid temperature control was selected by ONERA, the French aerospace research centre, as part of the construction of the PyCoFiRe platform (Pyrénées Composite Fire Research). Designed to assess the environmental performance and fire behaviour of next-generation aircraft materials, PyCoFiRe enables full-scale (1:1) fire simulation in two aircraft turbojet compartments and the testing of extinguishing systems.

PyCoFiRe provides a controlled environment to reproduce real operating conditions under extreme thermal constraints. The test bench will also help prepare for the rollout of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and hydrogen, supporting the transition toward lower-carbon aviation.

Strengthened expertise for advanced research

With PyCoFiRe, Technofrigo by Clauger reinforces its ability to deliver high-precision process-control systems for highly constrained applications — from complex industrial processes to cutting-edge aerospace research.

The challenge

Precise thermal control for extreme test conditions.

Reproducing real aircraft fire scenarios at full scale demands tight regulation of fluid temperatures across very different operating ranges — from cold air at the turbojet core to high-temperature regulation of casing and walls.

Engineering priorities

  • Accurate performance across very wide temperature ranges
  • Long-term reliability for a critical research facility
  • Maintainability in a demanding R&D environment
  • Compact "skid-in-a-box" packaging for installation flexibility
Our solution

Three dedicated skids, one engineering culture.

Within this project, Technofrigo by Clauger designed, manufactured, installed and now maintains three dedicated skids to regulate and simulate the thermal conditions of key turbojet areas.

Three skid-in-a-box systems

  • Dual skid-in-a-box (turbojet walls) — operating from −30 °C to +130 °C
  • Skid-in-a-box (turbojet casing) — operating from −10 °C to +160 °C
  • Skid-in-a-box (turbojet core air simulation) — operating from −30 °C to +46 °C

Successful collaboration with ONERA

This project required close coordination between ONERA and Technofrigo by Clauger teams to ensure accurate performance, reliability and long-term maintainability for a demanding research environment. By combining our process expertise with a tailored engineering approach, we contributed to a platform that will support aerospace innovation for years to come.

Technical specifications

The numbers at a glance.

Performance and architecture in summary — full design dossiers available on request under NDA.
Application Process-fluid temperature control for aircraft fire-test platform
Platform PyCoFiRe — Pyrénées Composite Fire Research
Skid count Three skid-in-a-box systems
Wall control Dual skid — −30 °C to +130 °C
Casing control Single skid — −10 °C to +160 °C
Core-air simulation Single skid — −30 °C to +46 °C
Scope Design, manufacture, installation, ongoing maintenance
Future use Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) & hydrogen test scenarios
Project impact

What this installation actually delivers.

Impact 01 Aerospace innovation

Enables full-scale fire testing of next-generation aircraft composite materials.

Impact 02 Energy transition

Prepares the test bench for SAF and hydrogen-aviation roll-out.

Impact 03 Wide thermal range

Three skids covering −30 °C to +160 °C across turbojet sections.

Impact 04 Lifecycle support

Technofrigo continues to maintain the installed skids — design through service.

Impact 05 Research-grade precision

Engineered for the accuracy and repeatability ONERA's R&D protocols demand.

Impact 06 Compact packaging

Skid-in-a-box format simplifies installation in a highly constrained facility.

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