Spectrum became aware that the Navy and Marines were encountering difficulty in removing breakaway fuel valves from CH and MH-53E helicopters under normal maintenance procedures.
Over time and an undisclosed number of flight hours, o-ring seals effectively sealed the valve assemblies to the various fuselage installation points.
As the valve assemblies are frangible elements, excessive force exerted by personnel during the removal process often resulted in separation and closure of the valve, effectively scrapping the part.
Upon being made aware of this by MCAS (Marine Corps Air Station) Cherry Point (NC) personnel, Spectrum engineers visited the facility and subsequently designed a valve removal tool kit, which fits within numerous valve assemblies and effortlessly remove them safely from the aircraft.
This kit resulted in significant saving and enhanced mission readiness of the aircraft through effective communication and cooperation with the Navy.
