Wing Inflatables’ Welding Techniques Keep the Fleet On Their Feet
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (September 9, 2015) — Today’s Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) must perform in some pretty rough environments. When considering warfighters’ missions, those requirements run the gamut from daily patrols to special operations in austere conditions. These were some of the primary issues that the team at Wing Inflatables were looking to address when they developed their Combat Rubber Raiding Crafts (CRRCs).
Wing Inflatables has been making boat sponsons for more than thirty years. Currently, the company provides sponsons for approximately 90 percent of the U.S. military’s Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB). It was only recently, the Department of Defense (DOD) approached Wing about producing CRRCs that would replace legacy inflatable boat systems with a high-performance, Berry Amendment-compliant, Made in America solution, using the same materials as Wing sponsons. The Wing team jumped at the opportunity and the result was their P-Series (P4.2,P4.7,P5.3,P5.8) CRRCs.
Wing’s reputation for excellent construction and cutting edge technology is apparent when considering the trademark method that sets their products apart from their competition. The standout feature of a Wing RIB is its durability. While legacy craft primarily use glue in the construction of their boats, the team at Wing Inflatables thermo-welds all air-holding seams on all their craft.
“Glue fails,” stated Jennifer Maxfield, vice president of international business development at Wing Inflatables. “Think about if our boats are being used in places with blazing heat like Afghanistan. They are delivered onto a blistering tarmac, then unloaded and inflated, over and over again. In time, the glued seams will fail. Our welding process helps mitigate the effects of heat and that constant contracting and expanding. It makes the craft more durable.”
When considering replacements to the U.S. Air Force Guardian Angel program, Wing Inflatables’ P4.7 CRRC went toe-to-toe with the competition over the course of a robust two-year evaluation period to determine the best platform. The Wing P-4.7 was recommended as the “craft of choice.” Due to a partnership on these efforts, ADS, Inc. was awarded a contract to deliver the cost effective Wing solution to U.S. Air Force Rescue Squadrons across the world.
“The entire program would not be possible without everybody’s input. From the Wing to ADS and the U.S. Air Force, it was definitely a team effort. It really goes beyond each group’s role within the program, even after an award is made because at the end of the day, we are all stakeholders. The success of this endeavor is a result of great partnerships. I’m proud to be a part of this solution.”
– Parker Jarvis, ADS Business Development Manager
Wing Inflatables and ADS have partnered to support the U.S. Army’s Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command Life Cycle Management Center (TACOM LCMC) to develop and supply a family of cost-effective inflatable boats and outboard motors (FoBaM) capable of fulfilling Army mission requirements. When implemented, this solution will develop into an efficient acquisition process to provide short- and long-term sustainment.
While Wing primarily serves DOD customers, it also serves Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers and Border Patrol), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), State and Local Municipalities, Urban Search and Rescue (FEMA) and U.S. Foreign Allies .
“ADS, as a partner for Wing Inflatables, has been huge. The force of personnel they bring to the table, especially with their integration into the U.S. Military forces has been a tremendous help for us. Many of the individuals we currently work with at ADS were former operators of CRRCs. That’s great because they can validate the difference of our craft verses a legacy craft.” – Jennifer Maxfield, Vice President, International New Business Development
ADS MEDIA CONTACT: Mike Eyre
(757) 275-7971 | meyre@adsinc.gurumediadev.com
ABOUT Wing Inflatables
Wing Inflatables manufactures the world’s best sponsons, using the strongest materials and the most advanced technology. For more than 30 years, Wing’s first-in-the-field innovative use of polyurethane and pioneering new technology have led to the development of lighter, longer-lasting, better-looking sponsons and now CRRC’s that out-perform the competition. All Wing’s products are essentially hand-built, one at a time, in their northern California factory. Armed with the most advanced materials and their custom built, proprietary software, Wing’s engineering and production teams have been setting new standards in fit, performance and durability. Wing proudly offers the world’s most advanced sponson and RIB construction, made right here in the USA. It is the cornerstone of their business. For more information on Wing Inflatables, visit Wing’s website at www.wing.com
ABOUT ADS
ADS Inc. is a leading solutions provider that proudly serves all branches of the U.S. Military, federal, state and local government organizations, law enforcement agencies, first responders, partner nations and the defense industry. The company’s medical team is comprised of multiple subject matter experts with backgrounds and experience in military medicine. Their specialties include, but are certainly not limited to, combat medicine, custom medical kitting solutions, domestic preparedness, emergency medical services, evacuation & rescue, battalion aid stations and medical treatment solutions. Overall, ADS is focused on solving customers’ challenges through the largest product and service offerings, the broadest array of procurement and contract options, world-class support and logistics solutions and legendary customer service. To learn more, please visit the ADS website at www.adsinc.gurumediadev.com.
