What is a key advantage of using a chemical oxygen system over a gaseous one?

The primary advantage of a chemical oxygen system over a gaseous system lies in its ability to enhance safety by significantly reducing fire hazards. In a chemical oxygen system, oxygen is generated through chemical reactions, which eliminates the need for complex gas lines typically associated with gaseous oxygen systems. These lines can pose potential risks, such as leaks or ruptures, that might lead to fires or other hazardous situations. By using a chemical system, the risk of an oxygen-related fire hazard is minimized, thereby providing a safer environment, particularly in confined or pressurized areas like aircraft.

In contrast, other options highlight features that are often associated with gaseous systems. Continuous oxygen supply, lighter and more compact design, and lower maintenance needs can vary but are generally not the primary benefits of switching to a chemical system. Each of these aspects has its implications in terms of operational efficiency or flight safety, but they do not specifically address the inherent safety advantage provided by reducing the presence of oxygen lines and thus lowering the fire risk.