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Laser Coating Removal from Helicopter Blades II
Phase I results, documented in ARL Penn State Technical Report 05-003
“Integration of Laser Coating Removal for Helicopter Blade Refurbishment
Phase I Final Test Report,” has resulted in a conditional approval, by
the OEM, of the laser coating removal process for the H-53E helicopter
blade application.
The intent of the Phase II project is to deliver an automated system for
blade stripping which will remove the operator from this demanding
repair environment while improving refurbishment lead times, costs and
reducing scrap rates. This effort is divided into Phases IIA and IIB.
Phase IIA covers the final design of the laser tool and installation of
the first prototype on an existing robot at NUWC Keyport. Phase IIB
would support final design and delivery of the laser tool, acquisition
and checkout of the Warner Robins ALC laser, procurement of the robotic
system, testing at NUWC Keyport, and installation at NADEP Cherry Point.
Benefit: The qualitative benefits of the project to stakeholders and
participants are considerable:
- CTMA provides NCMS members with a test bed and access to innovative
maintenance activity technology that cost effectively solves
environmental, health and safety problems.
- NADEP Cherry Point receives a cost-effective coating remover for test,
evaluation, and eventual production use years ahead of the normal
schedule for an innovative capital equipment item.
- Sikorsky gains a technological advantage and ensures that they remain
the leaders in commercial maintenance service for helicopter blade
refurbishment.
- NAVAIR, NAVSEA, AFRL and other interested DoD stakeholders will have
operation and maintenance information to assess performance,
feasibility, and cost effectiveness for related maintenance requirement.
- REPTECH/ARL Penn State meets its goal of improving the quality and
cost-effectiveness of maintenance efforts through alternative technology
implementation at NADEP Cherry Point.
Program Manager: Mike Gnam, (734) 995-4971,
mikeg@ncms.org
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