High-tech tarps stop weapons system rust.

• Author: Beidel, Eric
• Position: Defense Technology Newswire - Envelop Protective Covers - Brief article

When coatings and oils didn't stem corrosion on its ships, the Navy sought new technology developed by a veteran-run small business. Shield Technologies Corp. came up with Envelop Protective Covers, which can be installed like normal tarps over parts of ground vehicles, aircraft and ships. The military is currently using more than 20,000 of the covers to protect these assets and associated weapons and artillery. The Navy intends to be using the product on every surface ship in its fleet by the end of the year.

The covers, which come in different military colors including camouflage, consist of a four-layer composite that keeps moisture away from metal. The outermost surface is a waterproof fabric. There is also an absorbent inner matrix that stores water like a diaper and releases it back into the environment when humidity drops below 100 percent. A hydrophobic fabric rests on the metal and wicks away water from its surface.

Government studies show that corrosion costs the military at least $20 billion each year. Ships are built to last up to 40 years, said Bob Ward, chief operating officer for...