Aerospatiale Dauphin (U.S. Military: HH-65A): Aircraft Covers from Bruce's Custom Covers

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The Dauphin Bubble Cover encloses the entire canopy including the windshield, skylights, chin bubble, front and rear doors and windows. The cover attaches at 4 points. A strap at each upper rear corner attaches to the support tube inside the engine access doors. A strap at each lower rear corner attaches to the main gear struts. Attachment buckles are made of non-metal Delrin, designed for rugged outdoor use. Both the top and bottom hems of the cover have a special rope-hem feature with which they can be tightened to insure a against wind-blown chaffing. Pockets are sewn into the cover for both the temperature probe and pitot tube. For ease of installation, bubble covers are color-coded (red=left, green=right) with color swatches sewn into the corners.

Bubble Covers are made of nylon Silver Laminate. Bruce's Custom Covers developed Silver Laminate especially for aircraft protection. The outer material is a medium weight nylon treated for ultraviolet resistance and anti-static buildup. The inner lining is brushed nylon tricot knit. Silver Laminate is extremely reflective. Tests show that the cabin interior temperature can be reduced by as much as 25 degrees. It is water, ice and snow repellent, yet it is breathable enough to allow moisture to escape from between the cover and the windshield surface. Silver Laminate contains no hydrocarbon compounds which can harm plexiglass windshields and acrylic finishes.

Blade Covers are sewn of medium weight nylon pack cloth. Cut "full" to avoid trim tabs, blade covers can be installed from the ground with the aid of lightweight rope which is attached to the open end. Covers are cinched tight at the blade root with straps and Delrin buckles. A small opening at the tip of the cover allows for some air circulation and drainage. For operations in extremely cold weather, blade covers can be fitted with full length zippers, or with "boots" designed to accept a pre-heater hose.

The Rotor Hub Cover overlaps with the blade covers to insure complete protection for the entire main rotor hub. It is made of heavy weight nylon and fastens securely with Velcro and Delrin buckles.

HeatShield Interior Reflectors are made of a special laminate of metallized polyester film and closed cell foam. Less than 1/8" thick, the Reflector is stiff enough when flat to stand up against the windshield using the sunvisors and window framing only. HeatShields roll up and store in a sleeve, yet retain a memory to be flat whenever they are needed. HeatShields are an excellent short-term remedy for cockpit overheating, but use the Canopy Cover for more effective and practical protection.