TM 5-1940-321-13&P
( 5 ) Scuff a large piece of hypalon neoprene fabric. Mark strips parallel to the fabric
edge representing patches 1-5/8 inch wide and approximately 20 inches long.
Seam bandages may be cut parallel to the fabric edge. Bias cut fabric is not
required. A number of different length bandages are required to bandage all
seams. Measure each seam and cut a bandage for it. Identify bandages by
marking their length with a silver pen.
( 6)
Tape areas on the buoyancy tubes which are not to receive glue. The tape
should be place 1/16 inch outside the marked lines on each side of the seam.
( 7 ) Bandages are applied to several seams at a time. Due to the timing of the glue,
do not attempt to apply more than five bandages at a time. Begin the glue
schedule (Appendix F, table F-1) for up to five bandages and seams. After the
last application of glue, roll bandage glue side out.
( 8 ) Remove all tape. Beginning at the top, align the edges of the rolled bandage
with the lines previously marked parallel to the seam. Slowly unroll the
bandage and apply it to the tube, keeping the edges of the bandage centered
within the marked lines. Use a lint free towel dampened with toluene to smooth
the bandage against the tube as you continue along the seam.
( 9 ) Using a boning knife, firmly burnish the bandage along its entire length.
Exercise cares to ensure the edges of the bandage are in firm contact with the
tubes.
( 10 ) Remove excess flue with a towel dampened in toluene or rub the excess glue
away with the corner of the boning knife.
( 11 ) Carefully trim any excess material at the ends of the bandage using scissors.
( 12 ) Continue as described above to bandage the remaining seams.
( 13 ) Wait 48 hours before inflating the craft to its normal pressure.
b. Latexing Buoyancy Tubes. This corrective maintenance procedure is performed by direct
support personnel. Latexing should be used only where the air leak test (chapter 6, paragraph 6-3)
indicates the fabric has small pinholes over large areas. It may also be used where leaks are situated in
places that cannot be reached except by extensive disassembly of the craft. Latexing fills the very small
holes in the fabric coating. Latexing does not function to coat the entire inner surface of the buoyancy
tubes. Latexing is an involved procedure. It is normally not considered worthwhile unless the craft is in
good condition, except for the fabric pinholes.
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