APPLICATION OF FILM:

TM 55-1520-238-S

(1) Heat shrink tape may be used to protect the film from sharp edges such as the trailing edge of the

stabilator. For best results apply 2 inch wide tape along the bottom edge so that approximately 1/2

inch adheres to the bottom surface. Fold the tape over so that approximately 1/2 inch adheres to the

top surfaces. Tape alone may be used to protect the film from many protrusions such as flow fences,

hinges, louvers, and wing nuts.

(2) Cushioning Material is used to pad protrusions and provide insulation from the heat of the film

application process. Cushioning material may be held in place with shrink tape and/or 1/2 inch

strapping.

NOTE

Examples below are not intended to be all inclusive.

(a) Examples of techniques using cushioning primarily for protection are:

1. Wrapping material around the main rotor control tubes.

2. Individually wrapping main rotor blade grips.

3. Padding over top of main rotor head.

4. Padding for turret.

5. Padding around cannon barrel.

6. Padding around upper main landing gear strut and mount.

7. Padding around pitot tube.

(b) Examples of techniques using cushioning material for both protection and insulation from heat

are:

1. Complete padding of TADS/PNVS unit.

2. Complete padding of tail rotor blades.

3. Padding of windshield wipers.

4. Padding of antennae.

5. Padding of fuel filler ports, vents and drains.

G5 APPLICATION OF FILM:

WARNING

Insure that adequate maintenance stands are available and all personnel are

thoroughly familiar with no step areas prior to covering the helicopter.

NOTE

D Because the film is subject to damage from handling on rough surfaces it is

recommended that a piece of film approximately 14' x 30' be cut and secured to

the ground as a measuring and cutting work surface.

D Insure that the provisions of Appendix F, Quarantine Inspection, and customs

clearance is obtained for the aircraft prior to the application of heat shrink protec-

tive film.

a. Shrink Film Characteristics. The shrink film is provided in a bulk roll. It is a white, opaque, 7 mil thick,

polyethylene that contains an ultraviolet inhibitor. The white color is used to reflect the sun to maintain a lower inside

temperature. When heated to approximately 325 degrees F, the film becomes soft. When the heat is removed the film

will shrink about 25% of its original size. The melting temperature of the film is only slightly higher than the shrinking

temperature.

b. Heat Cannon Characteristics. The heat cannon operates on bottled propane. It produces an even flame

with a temperature of 750 degrees F approximately 12 inches from the cannon. The heat cannon has safety features

designed to automatically shut off the flame if it is dropped. The open flame is safe for use on aircraft when the

procedures of this appendix are strictly adhered to.

c. After the aircraft has been prepared as in paragraph G4 above, it is ready for the application of the film.

The film cover is created by first visually dividing the helicopter into sections. Film sections are cut from the bulk roll

with a safety knife to piece together a complete cover. The pieces are held together with heat shrink tape until they

are fused together. There is no hard and fast procedure for this phase of the process. The following is a workable

procedure:

(1) Determine sections such as small protrusions, antenna, main rotor controls, and cannon that need

to be covered separately. They should be wrapped with sufficient excess material to allow later fusing