Radio Frequency Welding of Inflatable PVC, Radar Reflective Navy Target Balloon for Military Application
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Custom Fabrication of Inflatable PVC, Radar Reflective Navy Target Balloon for Military Application
Custom Fabrication of Inflatable PVC, Radar Reflective Navy Target Balloon for Military Application
Target Balloon Radar Test
Killer Tomato
No more salad oil and aluminum chaff and no more 5” 38 brass shell casings for sea anchors: the Killer Tomato Target Balloon is now ECO-friendly and has joined the 21st century. APPF Inc. began manufacturing Navy Gunfire Target Balloons over a decade ago after purchasing the equipment and tooling to make Killer Tomato style target balloons from the originator, American Polyvinyl. During the last 10 years we redesigned the original 1963 Killer Tomato target balloon, known then as BUSHIPS No. 632-A-SK588, to meet the requirements of today’s fleet. Today’s MK2 target balloon includes features that simplify use, improve radar signature, and an integrated recovery system makes the MK2 more environmentally friendly.
Our radar reflective model, NSN 6920 MK2, holds station in rough seas by means of an integrated drogue chute that automatically self-deploys on launch. This characteristic eliminates the need to rig a separate sea anchor, as is necessary with all other models. Elements of APPF target balloons are covered by US Patent 6,592,416 B1 & 7,932,850 B1.
The integrity of each Navy target balloon depends on our renowned RF welding processes. Because of our dedication to quality and performance, we use only the latest technology and welding procedures, allowing customers like the Navy to rest assured that they'll always receive sound and reliable plastic welding work.
To learn more about the process behind our Navy gunfire target balloons and other exemplary RF welding projects, please see below for details or contact us directly.
RF Welded Target Balloon Specifications
Product Description
APPF has been manufacturing these air inflated radar reflective PVC target balloons with integrated drogue chute, used by the U.S. Navy.
Capabilities Applied/Processes
RF Welding
Equipment Used to Manufacture Part
20 KW Long Bar Sealers 4KW Valve Sealing Machines 10KW RF Sealer-Computer Controlled
Rotary Table
Overall Part Dimensions
Inflated Size: 14' x 14' x 14' Shipping Size: 24" x 12" x 18" 25' Floating Trip Line
Tightest Tolerances
±1/2"
Material Used
12 Mil PVC Stainless Steel "D" Rings
Equipment Included
One (1) Navy Target Balloon Instruction Sheet Cable Tie to Close Fill Tube After Inflation Repair Kit
4oz Can of PVC Cement
1 Square Yard of 12 mil PVC Material
25' Trip/Recovery Line (Includes Float)
Optional Equipment
Gas or Electric Leaf Blower
To Inflate Balloon
Features
Internal Reflector Generates 13.2 sq ft of Maximum Effective Radar Cross Section in the X or 3CM Band
One Piece Integrated Drogue Chute
Easy to Set-Up and Launch
Drogue Chute Automatically Deploys
Can be detected 10+ miles away depending on sea state
U.S. Patent Numbers: 6,592,416 B1 7,932,850 B1
Inspection Performed
U.S. Navy
Estimated Product Weight
60 lbs.
Industry for Use
Military & Civilian
Turn Around Time
In Stock Larger Orders Require 4-6 Weeks
Packaging
Individual Cardboard Boxes
Delivery Location
FOB our Factory in Garden Grove, California
Standards Met
Customer supplied print, 2D CAD Drawing MIL-I-45208A Inspection System QA-1001 Berry Amendment, Buy American
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