Compliments of U.S.
Navy "Mech" Magazine
By Dan Steber
I also visited the Naval Test Pilot School and came across a product the maintenance department loves and uses regularly. The new weapon in the war on FOD is called the
FOD*BOSS.
The NTPS bought it from The F.O.D. Control Corporation and uses it at least once a week or
any time the flight line becomes gritty. The maintainers hook it up to a tractor and run the mat around the flight line. This new FOD device scoops up everything including
fine stones and sand.
The maintenance-material control officer, Lt. Frank Seguin, said he had doubts about the effectiveness and durability of the
mat. But once he saw it in action, he became a believer.
FOD is scooped up and held in place by a fine removable net. Once done, the
maintainers peel up the mesh, which is secured
by Velcro, and empty the FOD* BOSS.
The basic unit is one pad and a pintle-hook adapter (coupler), but they sell double and triple units. The developer is testing a unit to tow five pads.
If you're interested in this product, you can contact The
F.O.D. Control Corporation, 8987 East Tanque Verde Road, Building 309 - Mail Stop #360, Tucson, Ariz.
85749-9399, call them toll free at 800-425-8363, or visit their website at
www.fodcontrol.com/products.html
.
While you're online, take a look at
their FOD discussion group or go to www.fodnews.com
for FOD stories from the commercial and military sectors.-Ed.
