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Here at Kempner we are constantly amazed in the way shrink wrap film is used and the many applications it can undertake.

Recently, a US shrink wrap firm was chosen by the U.S. Navy to produce the on location wrapping of E-2 Hawkeye aircraft that had sustained damage due to an on-board electrical fire whilst stationed at the U.S. Naval Air Facility Atsugi in Japan.

They needed a cost effective and reliable way to transport the aircraft, which was to be situated on the deck of the aircraft carrier, over sea to the U.S. mainland.

The ‘Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye’ is an ‘all-weather, carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft’, Service Manager Kevin Reese said:

“Each section of the aircraft was prepped and wrapped separately to eliminate pockets beneath the shrink film. Serving the needs of the military is a longstanding market focus for our company because it draws on our extensive experience and capabilities in shrink wrapping large assets, equipment, structures and products for protection during shipping or storage.”

Two installation specialists were able to carry out the work in an impressive three days and wasn’t without its troubles, one of the biggest obstacles was to be able to carry out the shrink wrapping on the round disc at the top of the aircraft with Kevin adding:

“It’s a difficult shape to work with using typical shrink wrap techniques, and required some interesting cuts and overhead seaming and taping to secure it.”

Once again shrink wrap film provides a more cost effective alternative as well as providing protection from the elements faced on the over sea voyage such as corrosion from the salt present in the sea water, as well as the UV rays from the sun and that’s without considering general wear and tear that it would encounter in transit.

 

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