U.S. Navy repairs uptake hatches on vertical missile launch systems

U.S. Navy selects CeramAlloy HTP & HTL to repair uptake hatches on vertical missile launch systems

The U.S. Navy was in need of a solution to stop corrosion on their VLS (vertical launch system) uptake hatches on destroyer and cruiser class ships

Missiles are launched through open uptake hatches, usually located on the deck of a ship. The extreme high temperatures (400°F+), oxidized spent rocket fuel and environmental conditions of salt water were causing premature coating failure of the hatches.

ENECON’s high temperature resistant repair and rebuilding composite, CeramAlloy HTP, was used to repair and rebuild the severely eroded areas of each hatch. The HTP was then machined to maintain the required tolerances.

Then two coats of CeramAlloy HTL were applied to resurface and protect the entire area.

The Navy was so pleased with the first twelve pairs of uptake hatches, more will be protected in the near future.