TM 5-1940-321-13&P
( 9 ) Inflate the craft and perform an air leak test (chapter 6, paragraph 6-3) on the
entire hose assembly.
7-19. REMOVING FIELD REPAIR PATCHES APPLYING PERMANENT PATCHES.
This corrective maintenance procedure is performed by direct support personnel. Fabric patches
(procedures in paragraph 7-7) from the onboard repair kit are not considered permanent. The single
component glue in the onboard repair kit does not develop the bond strength of the two-part glues. The
humidity outside of an air conditioned facility can further reduce the bond strength of the one- part glue.
Additionally, the small patches in the onboard repair kit are often not large enough for fabric repairs. For
these reasons, fabric patches applied in the field must be removed and a permanent patch applied to the
fabric as described in Appendix F. Properly conducted fabric repairs reduce the probability of failures that
will leave the craft unable to perform its mission.
a. Removing Field Repair Patches. Remove field repair patches by ungluing with a heat gun
as described in Appendix F. All old glue must be removed by lightly scuffing.
b. Applying Permanent Patch. Permanent patches are applied as described in Appendix F.
7-20. REPAIRING WORN FABRIC. This corrective maintenance procedure is performed by direct
support personnel. When the craft s fabric becomes worn to the extent that threads start to become
visible, a patch must be applied. The threads of the fabric become visible when the fabric s outer coating
is worn away. The coating functions as a barrier against air loss and adds strength to the fabric. The
application of a patch will prevent further wear of the fabric and stop any air loss. Fabric patching requires
a thorough knowledge of the shop practices in Appendix F. The correct fabric, solvent and glue must be
used for the patch.
a. Hypalon Neoprene Fabric. All of the craft fabric except the rollup flooring, molded carrying
handles, inflatable keel, D-ring pads, and carrying bag are hypalon neoprene fabric. Hypalon neoprene
fabric must be repaired using hypalon neoprene coated fabric or heavy duty hypalon neoprene coated
fabric. Refer to Appendix F for patching procedures and the correct solvent and glue.
b. Strongan Fabric. The inflatable keel rollup flooring and carrying bag are made from
strongan fabric. Strongan fabric must be used to repair these components. Refer to Appendix F for the
correct solvent and glue.
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