Custom blankets protect helicopters

[Ehmke Manufacturing Co.] Philadelphia, Pa., U.S.A.

Asked to provide upgrades using the latest technology in materials and workmanship, Ehmke Manufacturing Co., Philadelphia, Pa., engineered, manufactured and installed protective thermal acoustical blankets in the HMX-1 CH-46 presidential support helicopters. The interior materials and design needed to be functional, easy to maintain, affordable and aesthetically pleasing. Using a three-layer configuration, the blankets were constructed of a vinyl-coated nylon facing material, fiberglass batting media and an Aeronel FR lightweight backing scrim. Trimming, including hook and loop fastener tape, nylon tapes and webbings, netting and mounting hardware were added to the blanket to ensure a perfect fit free of pleats, fullness or wrinkles. The project won an IAA 2010 Award of Excellence.