TM 5-1940-321-13&P
( 18 ) Immediately dismantle, clean, and lubricate the intercommunicating valves (as
valves, and the CO2 overpressure valves (they will be blocked with latex).
( 19 ) Blow air through the latex compartments for 10 minutes; repeat blowing air at
least five times over a one-hour period. Continuous airflow is more effective.
Blowing air through the compartment is accomplished by attaching one or two
inflation blowers or other source of air to the valves at one end of the craft and
removing the valve inserts a t the opposite end of the craft. All other
intercommunicating valves should be in the INFLATION (12 o clock) position.
The continuous airflow through the chambers will dry out the remaining latex.
( 20 ) Reinflate the craft to 240 mbar (3.5 psi) for 48 hours before deflating and
folding.
7-23. REPAIRING/REPLACING INFLATABLE KEEL. This corrective maintenance procedure is
performed by direct support personnel. Repairing of the keel structure is necessary when the air leak test
(chapter 6, paragraph 6-3) indicates the fabric is the source of the leak. (Leaks from the keel valve are
corrected as described in paragraphs 7-10 and 7-18f,g.) Leaks from the keel fabric normally occur on the
undersurface of the keel, a result of accumulated sand and dirt wearing away the fabric coating. Most
leaks on the underside of the keel require removing the keel to gain access to apply a fabric patch. The
keel is made from strongan fabric and must be patched with strongan fabric. The keel must be unglued,
repaired, and reglued onto the craft bottom fabric. A modification, which applies Velcro hook and loop
fasteners to the underside of the keel and the craft bottom fabric, is described in paragraph 7-23b. This
modification allows the keel to be removed and replaced easily without ungluing and regluing, thus
simplifying cleaning, inspecting and repair. Repairs to the keel require a thorough knowledge of the shop
practices described in Appendix F. The Appendix F procedures are not repeated here.
a
Keel Repair Procedure
( 1 ) Deflate the keel by removing the keel valve metal insert.
( 2 ) Remove the flooring (chapter 5, paragraph 5-23 b 1-5).
7-50