What occurs when the cargo fire protection discharge switchlight is pressed?

• A. First bottle discharges rapidly; second discharges slowly over about 60 minutes
• B. Both bottles discharge rapidly
• C. First bottle discharges slowly; second discharges rapidly
• D. Second bottle discharges slowly over about 60 minutes

Answer: (A)

When the cargo fire protection discharge switchlight is pressed, the system is designed to deliver a rapid initial knockdown followed by extended suppression. The first bottle releases its agent quickly into the cargo bay to suppress the fire immediately. The second bottle then discharges slowly over about 60 minutes, providing a continuing blanket of agent to prevent reignition and maintain protection while the crew handles the situation. This staged sequence—fast first discharge, slow second discharge—matches the intended design for rapid fire control and sustained protection. The other options don’t reflect this two-stage pattern: both bottles discharging rapidly would use all the agent at once, and reversing the timing wouldn’t provide the necessary prolonged protection.