Re: Readiness

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@igc.org>]

SH-60 POLLUTION PREVENTION PROMOTES READINESS

 The Navy reports a clear example of how properly applied
environmental programs can be good for "readiness" in the conventional
sense. The SH-60 helicopter, normally operated from Naval Ships, is
subject to the corrosive effects of seawater and marine weather. In
particular, the tail landing gear has had a high failure rate.

 A lifecycle analysis of the landing gear showed that chromium, the
original coating, was less effective - that is, the equipment corroded more
quickly - then alternatives such as flame-sprayed nickel alloy. The result
was a longer-lasting landing gear and less pollution.

 Initially, the Navy estimated that alternative plating processes
would cost $1.8 million, to be recouped within five years, a small portion
of the anticipated life of the SH-60. It actually found that the initial
investment cost was only $800 thousand.

 Savings are expected to be great, due to the reduced need for
hazardous waste and hazardous materials handling associated with
chromium plating at both manufacturing facilities and maintenance depots.

 With the new process, the Navy has a cheap, safer, and longer-
lasting landing gear, protecting the environment and keeping equipment in 
service longer due to lifecycle environmental analysis.