McDonnell Douglas F-18 Hornet: Aircraft Covers from Bruce's Custom Covers

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The F18 Canopy Cover is designed to cover the entire bubble surface on tandem models, but can also be used on single-seat models. The cover attaches at the front corners and midpoints with belly straps which are adjustable and detachable from either side. Non-metal, durable Delrin™ buckles are sewn onto the cover at these attach points. Special cloth protectors are sewn onto the cover to prevent the buckles from touching the aircraft finish. The middle belly strap is also detachable and adjustable at its midpoint on the belly to allow the strap to be detached while the boarding ladder is folded away. At the rear corners the cover is secured to the small slotted trailing edge at the wing root. Bungee cord is sewn into the hem to help keep the cover tight around the edges and prevent flapping and chaffing in the wind. By shortening this bungee cord the cover can be made to fit more tightly.

The canopy cover is made of Silver Laminate, developed especially by Bruce's Custom Covers 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.

Cockpit HeatShields are made of a metallized polyester film laminated to a thin sheet of closed-cell foam. HeatShields are cut to fit, and are supported by the window frame alone, without Velcro, snaps or fasteners of any kind. HeatShields are stored rolled up in a nylon sleeve, or folded for storage behind or under the cockpit seats.

Engine Inlet Covers are designed to be completely adjustable and to install securely using ball-lock (pit pin) attachment holes built into the aircraft. At the top and outboard side of each cover there are straps which are adjustable in length, and which accommodate the ball-lock holes in the fuselage. Ball-lock assemblies are attached to the straps with 1/16" plastic-coated stainless steel cable. The cover also attaches on the underside to a small hole beneath and behind the inlet, using a plastic-coated stainless steel hook. Inlet covers are made of heavy weight Cordura™ nylon. A warning streamer is attached to a small tab on the front of each cover.

Engine Plugs are designed as an alternative to soft inlet covers. They are form-fit pillows which fit snugly into the inlet area. Two webbing handles in the front of each plug make removal fast and easy. A warning streamer is attached to a tab on the front of each plug. The plug can be easily serviced by removing the foam through the zipper in the back.

The Pitot Tube Cover is designed to cover the entire pitot assembly. Slipping on over the tube, the cover tightens around the base with a special Velcro strap detail. A warning streamer is attached to the cover.

Non-burning Pitot Covers are designed to withstand more than 500° F., preventing damage to the pitot tube if the pitot heat is turned on while it is covered.

The Exhaust Cover Set is designed to enclose the exhaust port of each engine, yet be easily storable. Each cover has a spring steel hoop sewn into the hem. This makes the cover stiff enough to be installed quickly. The cover attaches on the inboard side with a small steel double-hook into the forward edge of the exhaust cone assembly. It attaches on the outboard side with a plastic-coated steel hook into a small hole in the exhaust fairing forward of the exhaust cone assembly. Both hooks are on straps which are completely adjustable. This allows the cover to be tightened for a perfect fit. Because of the built-in spring steel hoop, the exhaust cover folds like a band-saw blade into a flat circular bundle. The two covers are then stored in the small duffle bag included with the set. The covers are made of medium weight nylon. A warning streamer is attached to each cover.

The Exhaust Plug Set is designed as an alternative to the exhaust cover set. They are form-fit pillows which fit snugly into the exhaust area. For extreme heat and abrasion resistance, the sides and back are made of Teflon-coated fiberglass. The plug can be easily serviced by removing the foam through the zipper in the back. A webbing handle sewn onto the front of each plug allows quick and easy removal, and a warning streamer is attached.