Kennon’s PMAC covers travel on board the aircraft
“The best covers are the ones you have with you and the ones you use.”
Fifth-generation fighters are high precision, state-of-the-art flying computers susceptible to Foreign Object Debris (FOD). FOD can come from nature — birds, rodents, blowing dust, rain, and snow. It can also come from human error. Such was the case in May 2020, when an F-22 crashed near Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Investigators determined the event resulted from human error — a piece of tape was left on the aircraft after servicing. The piece of tape impacted a flight control sensor and caused the pilot to eject (safely). However, the $200M+ F-22 jet was lost.
Kennon’s covers protect aircraft, ease maintenance, and reduce deadly accidents by providing coverage that prevents FOD intrusion. They also reduce the need for tape.
Kennon PMAC Benefits
- Travels On-Board: PMAC covers fit in the travel podCost-effective: reusable
- Reliable: longer life, durable, better fit, superior finish
- Prevents damage to Mission Critical Systems
- Supports Mission Critical Rates: back in the fight-sooner, less time fixing more time flying
- Extends maintenance cycles: enables longer equipment life, prolongs component life
- Kennon is a Preferred Supplier
Unlike standard covers, Kennon’s PMAC line of products can be folded and packed into a small compartment on the aircraft. This portability enhances mission flexibility and reduces the logistical footprint of moving traditional bulky covers and plugs from location to location. Because the covers stay with the aircraft, regardless of where it lands, crews can cover up the various intakes, exhausts, and ports. The jet will never be apart from its protective covers. Kennon can also print on the covers, including a squadron’s graphics, tastefully displayed when the jets are parked.
The PMAC Beta Port Cover uses various advanced composite materials and seals to withstand repeated washings and environmental exposure, including winds up to 70 mph. Kennon’s covers protect the fighter jet canopies during maintenance without touching sensitive surfaces.
Kennon designed the F-22 Alpha Cover for line-to-line fitment. Made from UV-resistant polyurethane, the cover seals the pitot probe from the elements without damaging fifth-generation LO (low observable) coatings. The fit is secure, even during extreme weather.
Kennon’s PMAC line was born from a prototype first designed by Retired Air Force Technical Sergeant Daniel Caban, who witnessed the logistical challenges of transporting the complete set of plugs and covers that must go with each aircraft. Caban’s prototype, featured in the Air Force’s Spark Tank competition, prompted AFWERX, the Air Force’s technology accelerator group, to award Kennon several contracts.
This product incorporates designs, materials, and components protected by SBIR Data Rights:
Agreement Number: FA8649-20-9-9053 Expiration of SBIR Data Rights Period: 8/2/2039
Contractor Name: Kennon Products, Inc. Contractor Address: 1100 Hi Tech Dr, Sheridan, Wyoming USA 82801
The Government’s rights to use, modify, reproduce, release, perform, display, or disclose technical data or computer software marked with this legend are restricted during the period shown as provided in paragraph (b)(4) of the Rights in Noncommercial Technical Data and Computer Software–Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program clause contained in the above identified contract. No restrictions apply after the expiration date shown above. Any reproduction of technical data, computer software, or portions thereof marked with this legend must also reproduce the markings.