VTM-05-005F
13
5-2.2
Cosmetic Repairs
The antenna has been designed to meet and tested to pass Naval Shock and Vibration
requirements (MIL-S-901 and MIL-STD-167 respectively). Under and beyond normal
expected environmental stresses onboard ships, this antenna will not suffer mechanical or
electrical failure. However, over the life of the antenna a seam may become visible just
above the top drip shield. This may appear to be a “crack” in the antenna. However, this is
only a surface crack in the paint layers and the filler material. This location is where the
aluminum radiator meets the fibreglass base and since these materials have different
coefficients of expansion, under high mechanical stress(es), the paint may crack under the
normal flexural movement of the materials. An example can be seen in the below
photograph.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE IN NO WAY WHATSOEVER IS THIS CRACK
RELATED TO A MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE ANTENNA.
Should this occur, repairing is not considered to be necessary. Otherwise, to restore the
antenna’s cosmetic appearance, it can be refinished as follows:
- use a small scraper to remove all the loose paint flakes;
- lightly sand the area down;
- re-coat with a durable ship-board grade paint;
- if excessive filler material has fallen out, the groove can be filled back in with a
quality acrylic or silicone sealant after painting.
Summary of Contents for VBBA2-30-18
Page 7: ...VTM 05 005F 3 Figure 1 1 Antenna VBBA2 30 18...
Page 15: ...VTM 05 005F 11...
