The various parts in the optics are now easier to inspect for wear and cracks. Most importantly, the working areas of the optics are now always clean - essential for their use by aircrew on the front line.
Chief tech Cookman says: "The system fits into our cleaning area perfectly. It is easy to use and produces considerably better cleaning results than before."
Stock availability has increased, as personnel get to spend more time servicing the suites and less time cleaning them.
Main image courtesy of RAF Odiham.
Helicopter force starts using Ultrawave cleaning system
1 min read
Ultrawave is helping technicians at RAF Odiham streamline the way they clean the optical defence aid suites used on military helicopters.
Previously the optics were cleaned by hand, but the task was taking personnel 12 hours to complete and on occasions, dust or other contaminants remained.
The work was monotonous too, something that Simon Cookman, Chief Technician for RAF Odiham, MOD, says made it hard to motivate personnel to carry out the task.
"The dust that was produced during the cleaning process created silicon particulates," he explains. "This had associated health and safety implications which required personal protective equipment to be worn."
RAF Odiham turned to Ultrawave which recommended that it should use its DX4045 ultrasonic cleaning system. Since its installation, the system has cut the cleaning time down from 12 hours to four hours, reduced costs by £30,000 and freed up personnel's time to complete other tasks.
The various parts in the optics are now easier to inspect for wear and cracks. Most importantly, the working areas of the optics are now always clean - essential for their use by aircrew on the front line.
Chief tech Cookman says: "The system fits into our cleaning area perfectly. It is easy to use and produces considerably better cleaning results than before."
Stock availability has increased, as personnel get to spend more time servicing the suites and less time cleaning them.
Main image courtesy of RAF Odiham.
The various parts in the optics are now easier to inspect for wear and cracks. Most importantly, the working areas of the optics are now always clean - essential for their use by aircrew on the front line.
Chief tech Cookman says: "The system fits into our cleaning area perfectly. It is easy to use and produces considerably better cleaning results than before."
Stock availability has increased, as personnel get to spend more time servicing the suites and less time cleaning them.
Main image courtesy of RAF Odiham.
