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.

FMI: www.airwolfaerospace.com