MAKING THE CASE FOR COVERS

THE PRESSURE IS ON TO REDUCE THE COST OF CORROSION AND MAINTENANCE, INCREASE READINESS

THE ISSUE:

UNPROTECTED EQUIPMENT OUTSIDE IS DETERIORATING; WATER INTRUSION, MOLD, UV, AND CORROSION. Corrosion impairs the readiness of military armament. The Army reported a significant number of failures due to corrosion on the 155 mm medium-towed howitzer so severe that they resulted in aborted missions. A study estimates that between 30 to 40 percent of the aborts are direct results of corrosion.

ARMY VEHICLES WITH THE HIGHEST AVERAGE PER VEHICLE AND TOTAL CORROSION-RELATED COST*

THE SOLUTION:

PROTECTIVE COVERS. Almost all vehicles that have turrets leak have the following issues: internal mold and corrosion, coating system deterioration due to UV and abrasion, equipment electronic failure from corrosion and excessive heat damage during storage, airborne particulates which cause corrosion and sand damage to windscreens. Protective covers are having a dramatic effect in reducing corrosion from UV, sand, moisture and airborne pollutants.

To be effective a cover needs, at a minimum, to be extremely air permeable to naturally offload moisture and heat. The US Army is having success using special corrosion-reducing covers. An effective protective cover, employed correctly, will significantly improve readiness, reduce maintenance and extend life cycle. “Corrosion remains the largest preventable cost to the U.S. military, a cost which exceeds $23.0 billion per year.”

Heat, dust, UV rays and moisture degrade military hardware, leading to decreased readiness, increased manpower requirements and significantly higher long-term costs.

ASK THE TOUGH QUESTIONS: SELECTING A PROTECTIVE COVER FOR YOUR EQUIPMENT

DURABILITY:

• Is the Cover Hydrophobic, so that it will not absorb water or freeze?
• Is the Cover Oleophobic so that it will not absorb fuel and lubricants?
• Will the Cover filter out the fine sand, dust and pollution found in theatre?
• Does the cover eliminate the destructive “greenhouse effect” in both short and long term use?

SCIENCE:

• Is the Cover lightweight, easy to pack and does it require minimal storage space?
• Can the Cover be easily cleaned in a washing machine or with soap and water in the field?
• Will the Cover prevent scratches to wind-screens and lenses and reduce paint wear?
• Can tears and rips to the cover be easily repaired in the field?

USABILITY:

• Will the Cover withstand ultraviolet ray (UV) exposure for at least 36 months of 24/7 use?
• Is the fabric durable enough to sustain rough handling after hundreds of uses?
• Will the Cover maintain its effectiveness?

For more information about the benefits and cost savings of adopting covers into your equipment lifecycle management program, contact your ADS Representative.

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REFERENCES:

*Reference : CorrDefense Volume 9, Number 1 Spring 2013 Inside DOD: DOD estimates the Effect of Corrosion on the Cost and Availability of Army Ground Vehicles

**Reference: GAO-03-753