For years, Kennon’s foam intake and exhaust plugs have been the go-to solution for protecting F-35 engines from birds, insects, and debris. Tough, durable, and field-proven, these plugs have safeguarded hundreds of jets on flight lines worldwide. But as missions become more agile and rapid deployment is a growing priority, we saw an opportunity to improve upon an already great product.
That’s why we developed our new inflatable intake and exhaust plugs (patent pending). These innovative plugs offer the same reliable protection as our legacy foam versions, and we’ll still add your unit’s logo for no charge. What’s different is their critical advantage—portability. Instead of bulky, oversized foam inserts that require dedicated transport for deployment, our inflatable plugs roll up small enough to fit inside an F-35’s travel pod. That means when the jet lands, its protection arrives with it—no waiting for a separate shipment, no extra logistics, and no delays.
Engineered for the Mission and Built to Last
Inflatable plugs aren’t just lighter; they’re built with a puncture-resistant bladder that inflates to create a secure, form-fitting seal inside the intake or exhaust. Maintainers can fine-tune the fit as they inflate the plug, ensuring a snug, damage-free installation that stays put—even in high winds. And when it’s time to stow them away, they deflate and roll up neatly, eliminating the risk of a foam plug being blown across the tarmac.
The Smart Financial Move
As a part of Kennon’s new Stratus Series, our inflatable plugs are a premium solution, and their impact on logistics can reduce overall costs. We recently shipped two similar orders—one for foam plugs, one for inflatables. The foam plugs took up six pallets, while the inflatable plugs fit on one. The difference in shipping expenses virtually covered the price difference between the two products.
For squadrons that deploy globally, this is a game-changer. Instead of allocating cargo space and manpower to move foam plugs, crews can focus on the mission at hand.
The Future of F-35 Protection
We’re proud of the legacy our foam plugs have built, and they remain a trusted solution for many units. But we also believe that inflatable plugs are the future. With a patent pending and no other competitor offering this technology, Kennon is leading the way in aircraft protection.
If your squadron is looking for a more efficient, cost-effective, and practical solution, it’s time to make the switch. Reach out to us today to learn more about how inflatable plugs can improve your operations.
Kennon’s inflatable intake and exhaust plugs for the F-35 – a part of Kennon’s Stratus Series of aircraft protection – are patent pending, 2025. All rights reserved.
