C-130 "On-Wing" Engine Preservation Covers
“C-130 Hercules Aircraft On-Wing Engine Preservation Cover”
High Performance Protective Packaging Proven Solution
Application
During periods when an aircraft will be undergoing extensive maintenance and or equipment upgrading, its engines must be preserved to protect them from corrosion. Typically an expensive process of removing the engines from the aircraft so that they can be covered is followed. In an effort to save money Heritage Packaging was asked to design and fabricate covers, that could be installed without removing the engines, that would preserve the engines at a humidity level below 40%.
Solution
Utilizing Cepac HD100; High performance flexible packaging material, Heritage Packaging designed and fabricated barrier covers that are pulled onto each engine much like a sock is pulled onto a foot. 3M preservation tape is used to secure the trailing open end of the cover to the underside of the wing. The engine is preloaded with desiccant packs. A one-way valve installed in both fore and aft positions is used to evacuate moisture laden air from inside the cover and then to replace it with nitrogen; an inert gas. The one-way valves also allow the intermittent monitoring of internal humidity levels through the use of a thermo-hygrometer.
Results
The “on wing” cover has been successful in all of its numerous installations. Even when exposed to conditions of high humidity and heat for extended periods, readings consistently indicate humidity levels below 30%.
