Keeping Military Aircraft In The Air Longer
Military aircraft are traditionally kept in service far longer than their commercial counterparts. Due to increasing economic pressures, the service lives of many military aircraft fleets have been extended far beyond their original design goals. A great example are Australia’s AP-3C Orion fleet, which have served for more than fifty years.
One of the biggest challenges to extending the service life of military aircraft is corrosion. Not only does the progressive structural failure of aircraft due pose a huge safety risk, the cost of repairs, replacement parts and aircraft downtime for corrosion related maintenance is colossal. In 2008-2009 corrosion related maintenance of US Air Force Aircraft and Missiles was calculated at $5.7 Billion USD. Countless military aircraft globally have been grounded prematurely as a result of corrosion, which is why defence forces are extremely diligent in their approach to finding the best strategies and products to incorporate into their Aircraft Corrosion Prevention and Control Plans.
In 1993, as part of their search to discover the best corrosion prevention methods for military aircraft, the Australian Defence Force commissioned the DST (Defence Science and Technology) to conduct rigorous scientific testing on the impact of 19 aviation cleaning products on the corrosion rates of aluminium alloy used in military airframes.
Although all of the cleaning products conformed to Boeing and AMS specifications, it is important to understand that these specifications only require a product to demonstrate that it will not corrode an airframe at a greater than specified rate. The accepted corrosion rate threshold varies between Boeing, AMS and MIL-SPEC. As a result, these specifications do not guarantee that a cleaning product will not contribute to corrosion. They also don’t assess whether a cleaning product is able to inhibit or protect aircraft against corrosion.
After 21 days of testing, Solidus Industries Zi-400 Aircraft Cleaner was proven to be a highly effective corrosion inhibitor. Zi-400 also demonstrated an extraordinary ability to arrest existing corrosion after it had commenced, shutting down corrosion rates to almost zero.
On the strength of these results Zi-400 was chosen as the preferred cleaning product for Australian Military Aircraft and Solidus Industries has been the trusted ally of the RAAF ever since.
Zi-400 HD Aircraft Cleaner is the ultimate military aircraft cleaning product. Suitable for use on fixed wing aircraft, rotary wing aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), its heavy duty formula efficiently removes the most stubborn airframe fouling. It is safe to use for personnel, environmentally responsible and provides an unmatched level of corrosion protection amongst aircraft cleaners.
In addition to Zi-400 HD, Solidus Industries supply a range of advanced cleaning products to the Australian and New Zealand Air Forces. We are Oceania distributors of ZOK 27, a powerful water based gas turbine engine cleaner that was originally formulated for the UK Ministry of Defence in 1980 and remains their product of choice to this day. Regular detergent washing with ZOK 27 protects aircraft engines against corrosion while maximising performance, fuel efficiency and reliability.
For windscreens and canopies, Solidus Industries Cleen Screen provides a crystal-clear finish that is completely free of distortion and halo effect. This advanced multi-purpose window cleaner is also great for sunglasses, helmet visors and electronic touch screens.
Strategic Corrosion Prevention for Military Aircraft
Trusted Cleaning Products for Military Aircraft
Zi-400 HD Aircraft Cleaner
Corrosion Inhibiting Multi Purpose Industrial Cleaner
Zi-400 HD is a cutting edge colloidal cleaner that is water based, non-hazardous and highly effective at removing the toughest of residue build ups on heat exchangers, general plant and equipment and in fuel pipelines. Scientifically proven to inhibit corrosion, Zi-400 HD is the ideal multi purpose cleaning product for any oil and gas facility.
Zok 27
Gas Turbine Compressor Cleaner
Originally formulated for the UK Ministry of Defence, this powerful water based Gas Turbine Compressor Cleaner is officially certified by the world leading manufacturers to the LNG industry including Siemens, General Electric, Mitsubishi, Pratt & Whitney, Solar Turbines and Kawasaki.
Cleen Screen
Aviation Windscreen and Canopy Cleaner
This environmentally friendly solvent based cleaner is formulated with plant based surfactants, meeting the gold standard for ecological sustainability for use in the North Sea as outlined in the OSPAR convention. Perfect for offshore oil rigs operating Gas Turbine Compressor Engines in ecologically sensitive environments.
Solidus Industries Wash Kits
Crystal Clear Multi Purpose Windscreen and Canopy Cleaner
Originally formulated for the UK Ministry of Defence, this powerful water based Gas Turbine Compressor Cleaner is officially certified by the world leading manufacturers to the Power Generation industry including Siemens, General Electric, Mitsubishi, Pratt & Whitney, Solar Turbines and Kawasaki.
1.5 Litre Hand Foamer
Detergent Foam Applicator
This environmentally friendly solvent based cleaner is formulated with plant based surfactants, meeting the gold standard for ecological sustainability for use in the North Sea as outlined in the OSPAR convention. A powerful water based Gas Turbine Compressor Cleaner specially designed to create as little ecological impact as possible.
Demineralised Water Units
Corrosion Inhibiting Multi Purpose Industrial Cleaner
Originally formulated for the UK Ministry of Defence, this powerful water based Gas Turbine Compressor Cleaner is officially certified by the world leading manufacturers to the Power Generation industry including Siemens, General Electric, Mitsubishi, Pratt & Whitney, Solar Turbines and Kawasaki.
Military Aircraft Cleaning Products
Military aircraft are often required to operate in harsh and consequently highly corrosive environments. Unlike commercial airlines, there is no luxury of cancelling flights when the going gets tough.
Whether your fleet is stationed on a sun scorched desert plagued by sandstorms, in a hot and humid jungle, on the coastline or out at sea, the risk of corrosion begins at day one. During operation, military aircraft are also exposed to direct attack from a number of highly corrosive elements including muzzle blast, chaff, flares, engine exhaust particles, oils and hydraulic fluid.
Solidus Industries Zi-400 HD Aircraft Cleaner is an essential part of any Corrosion Prevention and Control Plan. With its powerful corrosion inhibiting formula, regular detergent washing with Zi-400 HD is an inexpensive way to reduce corrosion related maintenance costs, minimise downtime and extend the service life of the aircraft.
With each clean Zi-400 HD works its way into seals, any cracks in the paint work and around rivets and fasteners, displacing moisture, dirt and salts from hard to reach areas that are highly susceptible to corrosion. In situations where corrosion has already set in, Zi-400 HD can swiftly reduce the rate of corrosion to almost zero.
Additionally, Zi-400 HD is a robust airframe cleaner. It efficiently removes the most stubborn aircraft fouling from muzzle blast, chaff, flares, exhaust stains, oils, grease, tyre rubber, hydraulic fluid and environmental contaminants such as salts, dust and atmospheric pollution.
Zi-400 HD is perfect for use on rotary wing aircraft, UAVs and fixed wing aircraft including matte paint finishes and low observable paints and coatings.
The combined cleaning and corrosion inhibiting abilities of Zi-400 have made it a proud ally of the Australian armed forces since 1993.
Approvals and certifications as an exterior aircraft cleaner include:
- MIL-C-87936A TYPE 1 SPECIFICATIONS
- DEF (AUST) 5570A
- Boeing D6-17487 REVISION P (Exterior)
- AMS 1526B, Exterior Cleaner (Accepted by AIRBUS Industries)
- Textron Aviation
- Bombardier
- McDonnell Douglas CSD #1
- Lockheed-Georgia Co. STM32-302
- Lockheed Martin (Vought Systems)
- British Aerospace Co T.O.R. 241
- United Space Alliance
- Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority Appoval REF.DR 95/176/EI1
- United Kingdom Civil Aviation Approval DAI/9386/92
Maintain Peak Engine Performance with ZOK 27
When serving your country, maintaining peak performance and availability of aircraft is crucial. This is why all of the major military powers religiously detergent wash their aircraft engines – to restore power, increase reliability and guarantee the longevity of their assets.
As Oceania distributors, Solidus Industries are proud to supply the Australian Defence Force with ZOK 27, a powerful water based gas turbine engine cleaner originally formulated for the UK Ministry of Defence.
The challenge put to ZOK International Group (originally known as Airworthy), was to develop a product that could efficiently deal with salt fouling in gas turbine engines to guarantee that search and rescue helicopters would be available on demand, while also acting as an effective corrosion inhibitor. The product passed with flying colours and is now the product of choice for a number of major military powers across the world.
ZOK 27 is accepted by leading OEMs to the Aviation industry including General Electric, Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney, CFM and Safran.
Specifications include:
- US MIL-PRF-85704C Type 11 Off-Line
- UK Defence Standard 79-18
- Solar ES9-62-1 On-Crank & Off-Line
- General Electric GEK 103623 & MID-TD-0000-5
- Rolls-Royce MSRR 9914
Military Interior Aircraft Cleaner
Zi-400 HD Aircraft Cleaner has been tested and conforms to Boeing and AMS interior specifications. It can be used for all aspects of interior cleaning, from cockpit, to cabin, to galley, to cargo hold. Zi-400 HD contains no solvents or VOCs, making it safe to use around ejection seats, escape pods and other sensitive technologies.
An advanced multi-purpose cleaner, Zi-400 HD is highly effective on a wide range of surfaces including bare and painted metal, carpet, upholstery, leather, rubber, plastics and acrylic windows. It provides powerful corrosion protection for metal surfaces, and will not degrade seats, cargo nets or webbing.
As an interior cleaner, Zi-400 HD is easy and safe to use. It is classified as non-hazardous and non-dangerous according to WHS Regulations and the ADG Code.
Zi-400 HD has been the trusted interior cleaner of the Australian Defence Force and its allies for over 25 years.
Give pilots the edge with Cleen Screen
In air force operations, clear and accurate vision can often be mission critical. Solidus Industries’ Cleen Screen Aviation Windscreen and Canopy Cleaner gives defence force pilots the edge by providing a crystal clear finish that is completely free of distortion and halo effect. Cleen Screen also helps to reduce fogging, and is great for use on sunglasses and helmet visors.
For interior use, Cleen Screen is highly effective on EFIS screens and instruments and slows down the accumulation of finger-prints, other oils and grime on electronic touch screens.
Cleen Screen is an advanced cleaning solution for glass, plastics, polycarbonates, perspex, alloy, vinyl and paint surfaces. Great for removing bug spots, marks and smudges from windscreens, canopies, leading edges, rotor blades, gear legs and more.
With its water based colloidal formulation, Clean Screen is non-harmful, non-flammable and easy to apply. Simply spray on, buff off.
Professor Hinton Case Study Synopsis
A combined cycle power station operated by Sithe Sterling Energy in upstate New York was responsible for providing electricity to a nearby Oneida manufacturing plant.
With an integrated fitout of a GE Frame 6B gas turbine compressor engine, Zurn HRSG and extraction steam turbine, Sithe estimated that to successfully meet their supply demands they would need to maintain an availability rate of 95.6% and reliability factor of 97.0% of their gas turbine compressor engines.
Thanks to a regular cleaning program using ZOK, their actual results were significantly higher.
| Actual Availability Rate | Actual Reliability Factor | |
| 98.5% | 99% | Year 1 |
| 96.5% | 98% | Year 2 |
| 99.3% | 99.9% | Year 3 |
The Power of Preventative Maintenance
Sithe attributed this success to a consistent routine of washing their gas turbine compressor engine to ensure peak performance. An on-line water wash was performed each day the engine was in operation, with ZOK 27 detergent used on alternate days. For on-line hot washes, ZOK would be used for the first 3 minutes of the water wash, followed by a 17 minute rinse. In addition to daily hot washes, Sithe performed a quarterly off-line cold wash with ZOK.
The balance of consistent on-line and off-line washes is the key to success. Sithe experienced this first hand during a period when they ran their gas turbine compressor engine for 201 consecutive days without an off-line wash. Their calculations showed that the gas turbine output had fallen by 5.6% and the heat rate by 2.4%. Following an off-line wash with ZOK 27, the engine’s performance was restored to its original levels.
Thanks to Sithe’s consistent routine of on-line and off-line washing with ZOK 27, readings between quarterly off-line cleans showed only a minimal reduction of output performance (0.4%) and minimal heat rate increases (0.3%).
Our Clients in the Defence Forces
