C-130 Fuselage Extension Plug Export Covers
“C-130 Aircraft Fuselage Extension Plug Export Cover”
High Performance Protective Packaging Proven Solution
Application
The C-130 Hercules air cargo transport plane has been the work-horse of the US Military and other private and governmental bodies for decades. Its four Allison Turbo-Prop engines provide more than enough horsepower for the tasks assigned to this aircraft. So much, in fact, that if desired, an owner can purchase “Plugs” to extend the length of the fuselage and in turn the gross payload. Because of its previous successes with preservation covers, Heritage Packaging was engaged to design and fabricate flexible barrier covers that were utilized to protect a pair of 14’ diameter by 10’ long sections of C-130 fuselage during transport on the deck of a ship from the USA to the Orient.
Solution
Heritage Packaging designed and fabricated a three dimensional cover from Cepac HD200 Super Heavy Duty Barrier Laminate having sidewalls, a top, and a flange around the bottom opening. A custom built pallet was covered with a flexible base sheet which matched the size and shape of the cover flange. The “Plugs” were placed on the base sheets, loaded with desiccant packs, cushioned as needed, and then the cover was lowered down over the plug. The cover flange was then heat sealed to the base sheet and moisture laden air was evacuated from the package’s interior space.
Results
Three months after the date the “Plugs” were covered, and having traveled through harsh seas and weather, the covers were removed at the destination. The Fuselage Plugs were ready for immediate installation with no cleaning or refurbishing necessary.