Queen’s Flight Corrosion

For the second day in a row Agusta Westland specialists are working at the Museum on our Queen’s Flight Wessex  XV733. Deterioration has recently been developing on this historic aircraft (see pictures below) which has been identified as of the filiform type of corrosion. It is believed that in many cases the corrosion in question is linked to rivet positions on the aircraft.

In agreement with Museum staff, the experts from Agusta Westland have recommended a strip, treat and refinish for the affected areas. This consists of stripping the current paint from the corroded areas, the removal of corrosion using a brush and specified forms of abrasives, all followed by pickling and refinishing. So far the original paint has proved very tough to budge, but the initial stage of removal is now largely complete. As you can see below, the corrosion to be treated is the black element on the stripped part of the aircraft body work.

Many thanks to the Augusta Westland staff who have done a great job so far! I will aim to update the blog as and when progress is made with the project.