Fri, Nov 23, 2007
Says Tape Permanently Solves R22, R44 Problem
Airwolf Aerospace LLC tells ANN the company was recently awarded
FAA STC# SR02491CH, to permanently prevent leading-edge skin
delamination from occurring on Robinson R22 and R44 helicopter main
rotor blades.
A factory Service Bulletin notes main rotor blade skins begin to
debond (separate) at the skin-to-spar bond line on the lower
surface near the blade tip. Debonding can occur when the bond line
is exposed due to excessive erosion of the blade finish, or when
corrosion occurs on the internal aluminum tip cap.
Robinson Helicopter Company has issued Service Bulletins to
inspect and address the problem using repeat-as-necessary paint
applied to the affected areas. By comparison, Airwolf tells ANN its
STC comprises a permanent, one-time application of Airwolf Rotor
Blade Protective Tape (RBPT) to the outer section of the main
rotorblades.
The one-time solution eliminates the need for blade repainting,
the company says.
"The factory 'solution' is really a band-aid, while ours is
simple and permanent," said Jonny Quest, Airwolf technical
director. "It comprises the application of a specially-formulated
adhesive polymer tape which has been time-tested by the military in
both the Gulf War and the Iraq war.
"Water, dust, sand and other contaminates can't penetrate the
tape, while the factory 'paint solution' requires repetitive
inspections and continual repainting throughout the blade life,"
Quest added. "However, the risk of a blade delamination is still
great and the replacement cost very expensive if this occurs. The
Airwolf RBPT is inexpensive insurance to prevent this from
happening."
There are over 8,000 Robinson helos on North American and
international registers.
More News
Say Altitude Used by ATC to ascertain an aircraft's specific altitude/flight level. When the aircraft is climbing or descending, the pilot should state the indicated altitude round>[...]
Aero Linx: European Air Law Association (EALA) EALA was established in 1988 with the aim to promote the study of European air law and to provide an open forum for those with an int>[...]
From 2023 (YouTube Version): The Life, Death, Life, Death, and Life of a Glorious Warbird In 1981, business-owner Jim Tobul and his father purchased a Chance-Vought F4U Corsair. Mo>[...]
Also: USCG Retires MH-65 Dolphins, Irish Aviation Authority, NATCA Warns FAA, Diamond DA42 AD This summer, history enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to experience World Wa>[...]
Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with>[...]