UNDER WRAPS: Sealing this E-2 Hawkeye in Plastic Film Kept it Cozy During its Ocean Voyage to Repair

PHILADELPHIA - Global shrink wrap supply and service company Mr. Shrinkwrap was recently chosen by the U.S. Navy to provide on-site wrapping services for an E-2 Hawkeye aircraft that had been damaged by an internal electrical fire while stationed at the U.S. Naval Air Facility Atsugi in Japan. The E-2 was shrink wrapped to protect it from weather damage during transit on the deck of an aircraft carrier to a repair facility in the United States. The Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye is an all-weather, carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft. “Each section of the aircraft was prepped and wrapped separately to eliminate pockets beneath the shrink film,” said Mr. Shrinkwrap Service Manager Kevin Reese. “Serving the needs of the military is a longstanding market focus for our company because it draws on our our extensive experience and capabilities in shrink wrapping large assets, equipment, structures and products for protection during shipping or storage.” Two Mr. Shrinkwrap installation experts were able to get the job done over the course of three days. One of the biggest challenges presented by the project was properly wrapping the distinctive saucer-shaped structure mounted on top of the plane. “It’s a difficult shape to work with using typical shrink wrap techniques, and required some interesting cuts and overhead seaming and taping to secure it,” explained Reese. The benefits of shrink wrap often translate into a more cost effective packaging or storage option for many businesses, and include protection from corrosion, weather and ultraviolet light. Aside from the U.S. Navy, Mr. Shrinkwrap has also recently worked with the U.S. Army and Marines, along with organizations like the Boeing Company, GE Energy Services, Amtrak, Exelon Corporation, Southern Nuclear Power, NAVSEA (Philadelphia Shipyard), and Philadelphia International Airport.