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TM00358 Rev. A
6.2 INSPECTING & CLEANING WINDOWS
Windows must be inspected prior to each flight to ensure the aircraft will be air worthy and that mission video will
yield the highest quality possible. Windows must be free of any visible chips, cracks, or excessive buildup of debris.
If windows require cleaning, use the approved maintenance procedure for cleaning turret windows. This cleaning
procedure is a progressive four step process – starting with a dry technique followed by wet removal, cleansing, and
drying. You must take care to lift and loosen bonded particles gently. If you wipe particles across the window surface
they will act like an abrasive. All windows can be cleaned using the same procedure.
6.2.1
Environmental Considerations
Certain environmental conditions will have different impacts on turret windows. You should evaluate the conditions
your turret will be exposed to during missions. The main environmental considerations are:
•
Arctic or cold weather
•
Maritime
•
Polluted urban
Arctic or Cold Weather Environments
When your turret is operating in an arctic or cold weather environment, the aircraft will be exposed to deicing fluid.
Operators should make sure the turret is stored in the Stow position, and instruct the deicing crew that they not
spray de-icing fluid onto the turret.
Maritime Environments
When your turret is operating in a maritime environment, moisture that collects on the turret windows during flight
will contain dissolved salt particles. When this moisture dries, the salt particles will remain on the turret window and
can act as an abrasive if wiped. Always soak the windows before wiping.
Polluted Urban Environments
When your turret is operating in a polluted urban environment, rain can contain pollutants that increase the acidity of
the liquid – more commonly called acid rain. If turret windows are exposed to acid rain and not washed, the glass
will become pitted and develop a rough "orange peel" texture. Over time this will progressively degrade image
quality of the video. To avoid acid pitting, increase the frequency of window washing. You should not wait and rely
on a visual inspection, which can only identify bonded material.
Table 6-1 Window Cleaning — Consumables
Description
Compressed air.
Mild, non-abrasive detergent.
Clear View Glass Cleaner or
equivalent
L-3 WESCAM
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Part Number
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Chapter 6 - Inspecting & Cleaning Windows
Quantity
1
1
• For example, a liquid
dishwashing soap that is free
of greasy additives such as
lanolin.
1
• Manufactured by Rochester
Midland Limited. Contact 851
Progress Court / P.O. Box 486
/ Oakville, Ontario / L6J 5A8 /
Canada or see
www.rochestermidland.com
for more information.
Notes
October 2007
101
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