TM 1-1500-204-23-6
CHAPTER 3
RUBBER MATERIALS
3-1. General. All aircraft rubber materials furnished through the Army supply system, locally produced or locally
manufactured, which Includes in its composition, natural or synthetic rubber or other materials having similar quality and
utilization as rubber shall be considered to have an Indefinite shelf-life (for example gaskets, preformed packings,
diaphragms, hoses and flanged seal assemblies).
a.
Storage. Storage and handling of aircraft rubber goods and kits, components, or accessories containing
rubber goods is the responsibility of all activities engaged in storage or maintenance of air items Storage of
rubber goods is as follows:
(1) Store aircraft rubber goods and kits, components, or accessories containing rubber goods In a dark,
cool, dry place, protected from excessive heat and from exposure to strong air currents, dampness,
and dirt.
(2) Store away from electric motors or other equipment giving off heat or ozone.
NOTE
Items will be left in original pack until they are expended or consumed in actual maintenance process.
b.
Inspection. Inspection of aircraft rubber goods and kits, components, or accessories containing rubber goods
will be accomplished at time of installation and as follows:
A qualified mechanic will determine serviceability of item by visually inspecting for deterioration,
leaking, corrosion, cracking brittleness, and deformity.
Items that have no defects will be considered serviceable.
If the serviceability of an aircraft component or accessory containing rubber goods is questioned due
to Improper storage conditions, the Item will be functionally tested prior to Installation.
Aircraft components or accessories removed from the original pack and not immediately Installed will
be preserved and repacked.
Items determined to be unserviceable will be disposed of through the proper supply channels.
3-2. Tires. Identification and storage of rubber tires are explained in the following paragraphs
a.
Tire Identification. Tires are classified according to pressure, profile, and contour in MIL-T-5041. Helicopter
tires are Identified by the word Helicopter on the sidewall. Tubeless tires are identified by the word Tubeless
on the sidewall. Ice grip tires have wire or spring coil inserts molded to the tread to aid in gripping icy
runways. Nonskid tires have a ribbed tread design. Refer to TM 55-2620-201-24 for additional information.
b.
Tire Storage. In addition to the general storage requirements for rubber materials in paragraph 3-1a, the
following procedures will be employed In the storage of tires.
(1) Store tires in racks so that each is In a vertical position and each is holding its own weight. Flat spots,
which form on the tread during vertical storage, will not harm the tire.
(2) Stack tires vertically. Tires should not be stacked horizontally because of the possibility of crushing
the bottom line.
(3) Clean tires exposed to grease and oil by washing with mild soap, Federal Specification P-S-620,
and water.
3-3. Tubes. Identification and storage of rubber tubes are explained in the following paragraphs.
a.
Tube Identification. Tubes are molded from natural and GRI (butyl) rubber. The GRI tube is identified by a
blue strip on the inner circumference of the tube.
b.
Tube Storage. In addition to the general storage requirements for rubber materials in paragraph
3-1
