From Matte Black to Flame Retardant: Matching 3M Polyurethane Tapes to Aviation Applications

In our previous article on this topic, we discussed the various 3M polyurethane tapes used in aviation applications, particularly their specifications. This time, our focus is on where you can use them and why they work well in those situations. 

From flame-resistant applications to the leading edges of rotor blades and wings, these tapes do it all. They are made to be long-aging, resistant to solvents, and use pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesives to stay where you need them for a long time. 

Let’s take a look. 

Exterior Applications: Leading Edges and Rotor Blades

Starting on the outside of the machine, we find 3M Polyurethane Protective Tape 8663/8663DL (dual liner). This stuff is tough. Really tough. 

It is made from abrasion-resistant polyurethane elastomer that is made to resist punctures, unwanted tearing, abrasion, and erosion. It is long-aging by design, meaning it is made to stay in good, serviceable condition. 

One of the harshest environments in which tape can be used is on the leading edges of a lifting surface, and that is exactly what these tapes do daily. From the leading edge of a UH-60 Black Hawk rotor to the leading edges of fixed wings on almost anything, leading-edge tape is a natural barrier that helps save money on painting, repairs, sheet metal, and composite repairs due to chipped paint. Leading edges are magnets for minor damage from constant abuse of giant bugs, heavy rain, and FOD, and 3M polyurethane tapes are a great and very inexpensive way to protect leading edges from damage. 

All 3M polyurethane tapes are paintable to match aircraft color schemes, or they can be applied over painted surfaces with minimal preparation work. They work on all metal and composite surfaces and are quite straightforward to install. 

Interior and Specialty Applications

The aircraft interior is an entirely different animal. There are critical seams in the interior of the aircraft that must remain sealed to prevent liquids from contacting critical areas of the aircraft. For instance, the control rigging and huge bundles of electrical wiring run under the floorboards of most aircraft, so sealing off the floor from fluid leakage is important. 

3M Polyurethane Protective Tape 8658DI is a flame-resistant formula that is tailored for sealing seams in the floor panel of aircraft and other assorted cabin fittings. 3M™ Polyurethane Protective Tape 8658DI passes stringent burn tests (14 CFR 25.853) required for interior sealing tapes.

The dual-liner design ensures smooth installation on large, flat surfaces, allowing for quick placement without wrinkles or misalignment. 

Matching Tape to Mission Requirements

Aircraft profiles and missions are different across the military and federal fleets, from low-and-slow piston-powered aircraft to jets cruising at 50,000 feet; the government uses them all. 

3M produces a comprehensive line of polyurethane protective tapes so your aircraft will get the protection it needs. 

For rotorcraft operating in sandy, dusty, high-erosion environments like the borders with CBP or in a Combat Aviation Brigade in Texas, heavy-duty tapes like 8681HS offer a high level of protection for rotors and stabilizer leading edges. Matte black is a great option for this application and is commonly used across fleets that already use muted and matte colors. 

Some fleets have appearance demands that are much more important, such as the DV fleets used by the U.S. Army, which operate C-12 Hurons, Cessna UC-35s, and Gulfstream C-37s. These will benefit from the transparent 8663 variants that don’t mar the paint. 

Interiors require special considerations, so always opt for 8658DI, which is specifically designed for interior tape applications. 3M makes a wide range of widths, liner types, and paintable options to fit any mission, anytime. 

Procurement Considerations

Sourcing your 3M polyurethane protective tapes shouldn’t be a headache, and Greenwood Aerospace is here to give you access to the extensive catalog of tape products without the hassle that government contracts usually entail. 

We are on the GSA Schedule and use GSA Advantage to simplify the procurement process for government buyers, whether they are military, federal, state, or local. Anyone approved to procure on GSA Advantage can buy 3M products through our GSA Advantage product listings.

For any questions about procurement, expedited delivery requests, large order inquiries, or to confirm product availability, reach out to Greenwood Aerospace at gsasales@greenwood.aero or give us a call at 580-865-6000 or 833-GSA-EBUY (833-472-3289). As a proud Native American-owned, HUBZone-certified small business, we are committed to delivering high-quality service with rapid, reliable delivery.

Final Thoughts

Whether you need a matte black finish for your tactical fleet, flame-retardant tape for interior coverage and ceiling seams on floorboards and other cabin components, or you need a transparent polyurethane protective tape for aircraft where external physical appearance is very important, 3M polyurethane protective tapes deliver.

Procurement teams can rely on Greenwood Aerospace for bulk orders of individual products or a variety of protective tapes. We carry a full line of 3M brand protective tapes, which are all available through GSA Advantage. 

Email us at gsasales@greenwood.aero or call us at 580-865-6000 or 833-GSA-EBUY (833-472-3289) with any questions you have or to discuss bulk purchases.

Please note that this is intended exclusively for government procurement offices and not for retail sales.