Speed tape
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Speed tape is an aluminized tape used to do minor repairs on airplanes. It looks similar to duct tape (silver gray), but its adhesive is capable of sticking on an airplane fuselage or wing at high speeds, hence the name. During the Vietnam War, helicopter rotor blades damaged by small-arms fire had a temporary repair performed by battle-damage repair crews in the field using the tape.[citation needed] This tape is also known as 600 mph tape.[1]
In the U.S. Air Force, it was often referred to as "thousand mile an hour" tape.
- It is thermally conductive.
- It has a high heat reflectivity.
- It resists UV degradation for long-term durability.
- It is resistant to moisture and solvents.
- It is also flame resistant.
Use of speed tape should be authorized by engineering teams and comply with certain requirements. For example it can be used "with holes no larger in diameter than 2 inches and no closer to the edge of the panel than 3 inches."[2]
[edit] References
- ^ Jason Whitely (19 April 2010). "Passengers surprised to see planes patched with tape". WFAA. http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/Passengers-surprised-to-see-tape-patching-planes-91567634.html. Retrieved 20 January 2011.
- ^ Don Phillips (4 December 2002). "Improper Use of Tape to Fix Wings May Lead to FAA Fine for United". The Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&node=&contentId=A5484-2002Dec3¬Found=true. Retrieved 20 January 2011.
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