MH/T 6136-2025 in English

Standard Overview and Technical Background

MH/T 6136—2025, "Technical Specifications for Aviation Fire-Resistant Containers," is an industry standard issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). It was published on July 18, 2025, and officially implemented on August 1, 2025. The standard was proposed by the Aircraft Airworthiness Certification Department of the CAAC and administered by the Civil Aviation Science and Technology Research Institute of China, in collaboration with the Second Research Institute of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Qingdao Honghu Aviation Technology Co., Ltd., and other organizations.

With the rapid development of the air cargo industry, particularly the increasing demand for the transportation of dangerous goods such as lithium batteries, traditional aviation containers have significant deficiencies in fire protection. This standard aims to standardize the technical requirements for aviation fire-resistant containers, improve air cargo safety, and fill a gap in the domestic standardization of aviation fire-resistant containers. The standard divides aviation fire-resistant containers into two categories: those with fire resistance only and those with both fire resistance and lithium battery protection. This classification fully considers the safety requirements of different usage scenarios.

Fire resistance grading standard

Fire resistance is divided into 4 grades according to the fire resistance duration. The specific grading requirements are as follows:

Lithium battery protection capability classification

Lithium battery protection capability is divided into 4 levels according to the number of standard 18650 lithium batteries:

In-Depth Analysis of Technical Requirements

Structural Design Requirements

The standard sets clear requirements for the structural design of aviation fire-resistant containers. The container surface should be smooth to avoid scratches or damage to other items. Of particular note, the standard requires that when the container door is closed, a gap of at least 1 cm should be left within 30 cm of the ground. This design allows for the release of accumulated gas and smoke and is an important safety and pressure relief measure.

Material Performance Requirements

Material technical requirements are the key content of this standard and mainly include the following aspects:

Fire Resistance: The container material must be burn-through resistant and thermally insulated. When tested according to standard test methods, the main material of the container should show no signs of burn-through, and the temperature on the outside of the container at 10 cm from the surface should be below 204°C.

Durability: Non-metallic materials must exhibit wear resistance, shear resistance, tear resistance, UV aging resistance, and anti-fungal properties. These requirements ensure the long-term reliability of aviation fire-resistant containers in complex environments.

Protection Capacity Technical Requirements

For containers tested only for fire resistance, there should be no flame burn-through during the test, the peak temperature measured by the external thermocouple should not exceed 204°C, and the main structure should remain intact after the test.

For containers that offer both fire resistance and lithium battery protection, in addition to the above requirements, no thermal runaway objects must penetrate the container body, and some electrolyte leakage is permitted. This requirement takes into account both safety and practical feasibility.

Detailed Explanation of Test Methods

Material Test Methods

The standard specifies detailed material test methods:

Burning Test: Conducted in accordance with the burn-through resistance test method in MH/T 6086. The test duration is 5 minutes, and the temperature measured by the thermocouple at the burner position should not be less than 870°C.

Abrasion Test: Conducted in accordance with GB/T 21196.3 for flexible non-metallic materials, with a minimum of 5,000 cycles; conducted in accordance with GB/T 5478 for rigid non-metallic materials, with a minimum of 2,000 cycles.

Whole Container Test Method

The whole container test includes a fire resistance test and a lithium battery protection capability test:

Test Site Requirements: Either an open or indoor site may be selected, and sufficient firefighting equipment and protective measures must be in place.

Test Procedures: Strictly follow the standard procedures, including thermocouple placement, combustible material loading, and ignition device setup.

The test lithium battery must be charged for at least five hours or have a charge level of at least 80% within 72 hours prior to testing to ensure the authenticity and validity of the test.

Marking and Usage Requirements

Marking Requirements

Aviation fire-resistant containers must be marked in accordance with SAE AS8992, with the container fire resistance and lithium battery protection capability ratings prominently displayed on the side. The markings must be in black, boldface font, with a height of at least 20mm, ensuring legibility. The standard emphasizes regular inspections during daily use, as per the component maintenance manual. If damage occurs, maintenance should be performed according to the component maintenance manual. The manual should specify the maximum allowable damage and take into account any compromised airtightness and sealing caused by damage to the door and container joints. Of particular note, if fire resistance depends on internal coatings or protective materials, the component maintenance manual should also specify the maximum allowable damage and maximum shelf life of the coating or internal materials. This is crucial for ensuring the container's continued airworthiness. MH/T 6136-2025 draws heavily on leading international standards, particularly SAE AS8992, "Design, Performance, and Test Requirements for Fire-Resistant Containers," and SAE AS36100C, "Performance Requirements and Test Parameters for Air Cargo Containers." This reference ensures alignment of Chinese standards with international standards, while also incorporating appropriate adjustments tailored to domestic circumstances.

Embodiment of Technological Innovation

This standard embodies technological innovation in the following aspects:

Establishment of a Grading System: For the first time, a complete grading system for aviation fire-resistant containers has been established in China, providing clear technical guidance for different needs.

Lithium Battery Protection Requirements: In response to the growing demand for lithium battery transportation, technical requirements and test methods for lithium battery protection capabilities have been specifically formulated.

Environmentally friendly material requirements: The standard encourages the use of recyclable and environmentally friendly materials such as thermoplastics, reflecting the concept of green development.

Implementation Recommendations and Industry Impact

Implementation Recommendations for Manufacturers

For manufacturers of aviation fire-resistant containers, it is recommended that:

Material Selection: Prioritize materials with good fire resistance, environmental friendliness, and recyclability to ensure that products meet the requirements of the standard.

Process Control: Production is conducted in strict accordance with the manufacturing methods and process requirements of SAE AS36100C to ensure consistent product quality.

Testing and Verification: A comprehensive testing system is established to conduct comprehensive testing of raw materials, semi-finished products, and finished products to ensure product performance meets standards.

Implementation Recommendations for Users

For users such as air cargo companies, the following recommendations are recommended:

Selection and Configuration: Select containers with appropriate fire resistance and protection levels based on the characteristics of the actual cargo being transported.

Maintenance and Management: Establish a comprehensive maintenance and management system, and conduct regular inspections and maintenance in accordance with the component maintenance manual.

Personnel Training: Strengthen operator training to ensure the proper use and maintenance of aviation fire-resistant containers.

Industry Impact Analysis

The implementation of MH/T 6136-2025 will have a profound impact on the air cargo industry:

Improving Safety: Standardized technical requirements will significantly enhance the safety of air cargo, particularly the transport of dangerous goods.

Promoting Industry Development: Unified technical standards will contribute to improved product quality and the healthy development of the industry.

Promoting Technological Innovation: Clear technical requirements will encourage related companies to increase their R&D investment, promoting technological innovation and product upgrades.

Overall, the release and implementation of MH/T 6136-2025 marks a further improvement in my country's air cargo safety standards system, providing important technical support for the industry's high-quality development. All relevant units should carefully study the content of the standard, make practical preparations for its implementation, and ensure its effective implementation.