Air Force researchers found an environmentally friendly material to prevent corrosion and extend the service life of aluminum landing gear wheels, brakes, and struts, according to an Oct. 28 release. The Air Force Research Laboratory worked with the Ogden Air Logistics Complex at Hill AFB, Utah, to test four different sealers before identifying a permanganate-based sealer, called SafeGuard CC-5000, which was found to be as effective—and possibly better in some aspects—?than the typical chromium-based sealers. The sealer was approved for use and incorporated into the coating process in September, states the release. “The transition and full implementation of this material is critical to the Air Force as it moves toward more environmentally and health-conscious maintenance solutions,” said Elizabeth Berman, AFRL senior materials research engineer. Chromium, which is listed on the Environmental Protection Agency’s list of toxic chemicals, was restricted in military vehicles and weapon systems in 2009.
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.