Bombardier: Extending airplane flap track life

Many airlines now look to BASF to perform a vitally important service for their DHC-8 aircraft.  BASF offers a complete overhaul and repair service, using high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) tungsten carbide coatings to restore the dimensional integrity of the flap track sets used on DHC-8 aircraft — a service that meets the specifications and requirements of the aircraft’s manufacturer, Bombardier.

By demonstrably improving the flap track’s ability to withstand damage from cavitation and vibration, as well as exposure to salt and moisture, the HVOF tungsten carbide coatings have been credited with extending the service life of these critical structural wing components by an additional 20,000 to 40,000 cycles (one cycle represents one takeoff and one landing).   This has improved the DHC-8’s performance, and has also contributed to airline operators’ bottom line by enhancing the life of their planes.