this post was submitted on 04 Nov 2024
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Speed tape. Very expensive but basically helps with drag and isn’t structural.
Yup, it's just aluminum foil with an adhesive.
Worked in an mro so mostly was removing speed tape, but occasionally we would send a bird out of a heavy check with speed tape on.
So it’s the same tape used for ductwork?
What purpose does it serve in this case?
My understanding for hvac ducting is that it…. Stays on forever? Probably the metal layer prevents the adhesive from breaking down..? Actually I have no idea..
To the internet I go!
Please bring us your findings!
So I looked.
The long and short of it is that HVAC tape has stronger and more temp resistant (see also: gooey) adhesives. The foil or composite layer on the outside does act to protect the adhesive, but it also serves to create an impenetrable barrier for moisture and air that is rigid and not prone to flex with increased air movement. This is valuable in systems that create a mild vacuum when kicking on, or where the air being pushed could create holes for air to move through.
It’s sort of not “one reason”, but a handful of reasons that work in tandem.
No idea what purpose it serves on an airplane tho.
It's used for very minor repairs, in this case, a more permanent repair is under the tape, but is likely curing, so they slap some speed tape on it.
Speed tape never holds anything down, it's just used to smooth over a surface, to allow better air flow.
Whatever is being covered by the speed tape will likely see more attention from maintenance later.
https://www.salon.com/2011/10/27/ryanair_duct_tape_controversy/
This extensive, it's almost certainly just paint flaking off. Carbon fiber wings need UV protection which is normally provided by the paint. The tape is just shading the carbon fiber wing panels from the sun.