EA-6B first carrier-based aircraft to use HVOF
By Shelly Sikes Diaz, NAVAIR Depot, Jacksonville Public Affairs Specialist

Naval Air (NAVAIR) Depot Jacksonville recently completed a successful test flight of the first carrier-based aircraft in the world to use high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) coating on the landing gear. The new coating process was used on the starboard main landing gear of an EA-6B Prowler, and replaces the more expensive and toxic chrome plating that was previously used.

The HVOF process is typically used on land-based aircraft, both in private sector and the military. This marks the first use on a carrier-based aircraft. Keeping carrier-based aircraft in top condition is difficult, as these planes experience more stress when landing, as well as the corrosive effects of a salt-water environment. During the HVOF process, fuel gas and oxygen combine to form an accelerant gas, which is ignited as a tungsten carbide powder is fed into the flame. The energy created during the process drives the accelerant out of the HVOF gun onto the landing gear at supersonic speeds. The coating is more dense and corrosion resistant than chrome, is also more economical and environmentally safe, and can be more quickly applied. Chrome plating a large object, such as a landing gear, typically takes about 40 hours, while the HVOF application can be completed in one work shift.

This flight represents the culmination of five years of testing and evaluation by the Depot’s Materials Engineering Division in conjunction with many technical discussions and debates throughout the NAVAIR community. David Stricklin, a materials engineer supervisor, pointed out that HVOF fits into the Depot’s efforts to implement Lean production methods. The project is more cost efficient, has a quicker turn-around time and allows for better scheduling. Materials Engineer Jon Devereaux has also played a vital role in coordinating the project. Devereaux enjoyed working on a project that kept the Depot at the forefront of this technology. Devereaux has developed a reputation as a world expert in HVOF applications as a result of his work with these coatings. He was asked to write the Aerospace Materials Specification for the grinding of HVOF coatings applied to high strength steels, soon to be published as AMS 2449. This specification will be internationally used as the governing technical document for the grinding of these types of coatings on aircraft landing gear worldwide.