How NRL Thermal Spray Enhances Ship Readiness

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) engineers installed an advanced Thermal Spray Non-Skid coating system on the USS Kearsarge, with the new Thermal Spray Robotic Vehicle. Watch this video to see how this enhances a well-equipped fleet.

“The successful application of TSN using the TSRV on the USS Kearsarge marks a significant milestone in the Navy's efforts to modernize its Fleet and improve operational readiness,” said NRL Center for Corrosion Science and Engineering Branch Head Ted Lemieux  . “NRL is committed to developing innovative technologies that support the Navy's mission and enhance the safety and well-being of our Sailors.”

Transcript

00:00:11 So we are at BAE System shipyard, on the flight deck of USS Wasp-class amphibious assault ship on the USS Kearsarge. This week we're going to be using a new machine called the Thermal Spray Robotic Vehicle that automates the blasting and thermal spraying process to be more efficient, and to get the production work done faster. So we are installing a thermal spray non-skid test patch on the flight deck. So thermal spray non-skid, it's a metalized non-skid coating system. It's a relatively new system that the Navy's been using.

00:00:50 We apply it on LHD-class flight decks. There's actually a small test patch back behind me. They use it because it has excellent long-term durability and temperature resistance. Thermal spray non-skid was developed and was first installed on Navy ships back in 2011. It's a functional coating, whereas it functions as a direct safety impact to the sailors. With the longevity of the thermal spray non-skid, again, less repairs, less failures in the non-skid, less non-skid popping up, creating slick spots, that sort of thing. So the slip resistance is the biggest safety impact.

00:01:33 This project will provide the DoD with cost savings and expanded ship readiness. Probably, I would say the biggest support is the impact it provides for heat resistant non-skid. And I think, moreover, the duration that it lasts. Current non-skid, organic non-skid that we're standing on right now lasts approximately three years. This material, albeit expensive, the ROI still supports 10 to 12 years. Less impact on the ship's availability

00:02:12 and less cost overall.