W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. (Gore) announced that the F-16 program office has recently issued an F-16 Maintenance Awareness Message approving GORE™ SKYFLEX™ Aerospace Materials products for use on the F-16 wing access panels. The new wing gaskets join other GORETM SKYFLEXTM Aerospace Materials products already approved for use throughout the F-16.
GORE™ SKYFLEX™ Aerospace Materials effectively seal panels and protect against mechanical forces and harsh environments that can damage aircraft structures, such as vibration, corrosion, high temperatures, aggressive fluids, UV radiation, and other environmental hazards that tend to break down and weaken traditional materials.
“These gaskets deliver consistent, reliable sealing in demanding operational environments, providing the same high-performance characteristics of GORE™ SKYFLEX™ Aerospace Gaskets already used on the F-16,” said Ross Livington, Gore Product Specialist. “The GORE™ SKYFLEX™ Aerospace Materials Team is aggressively working to develop additional gaskets in its effort to improve aircraft availability.”
GORE™ SKYFLEX™ Aerospace Materials effectively seal panels and protect against mechanical forces and harsh environments that can damage aircraft structures, such as vibration, corrosion, high temperatures, aggressive fluids, UV radiation, and other environmental hazards that tend to break down and weaken traditional materials. Unlike traditional two-component sealants, the materials are lightweight and non-curing, and they simplify the process by reducing installation steps. GORE™ SKYFLEX™ Aerospace Materials are available in a variety of form-in-place (FIP) tapes and die-cut gaskets in various sizes.
For gasket use on the F-16 wing access panels, the interim approval guidance presented in the Maintenance Awareness Message is sufficient authorization for procurement and use until the appropriate technical order publications are updated.
About Gore
W. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Founded in 1958, Gore has built a reputation for solving complex technical challenges in the most demanding environments — from revolutionizing the outerwear industry with GORE-TEX® fabric to creating medical devices that improve and save lives to enabling new levels of performance in the aerospace, pharmaceutical and mobile electronics markets, among other industries. The company is also known for its strong, team-oriented culture and continued recognition from the Great Place to Work® Institute. Headquartered in Newark, Del., Gore employs approximately 9,500 Associates and generates annual revenues that exceed $3 billion. www.gore.com
