Page 214 - Challenges in Corrosion Costs Causes Consequences and Control(2015)

192 CORROSION CAUSES

TABLE 3.17 Data on HMMVS with Deteriorated CARC Paint
Sector Location Number Inspected Number of Deteriorated
HMMWV
Coating Percent
Army Fort Bragg 17 4 24
Army Fort Still 13 9 69
Army Fort Knox 9 3 33
Army Fort Drum 11 11 100
Marine Corps MCLB-Atlantic 2 2 100
Marine Corps Camp Lejeune 40 30 75
WI National Guard Various 29 13 45

Firing Platforms. Howitzer firing platforms contribute significantly to corrosion
costs in the Army. The 119 is a 105 mm Howitzer of British design, and a total of
500 were acquired. Severe corrosion was detected on the platform. An investigation
by the Army indicated several deficiencies that lead to severe corrosion, including
various dissimilar metal contacts resulting in galvanic corrosion in some areas of the
platform where water could collect. The design of the Howitzer platform was such
that it needed to be replaced at a cost of $18,000 each; the total cost to remedy the
problem is estimated to be nearly $9 million.
A second Howitzer corrosion problem is experienced with M198 Howitzer of
which 1800 are in service. To keep the Howitzer in readiness, an annual cost of
$5300 for parts replacement is required for each M198. The total annual mainte-
nance cost for just corrosion-related parts replacement is estimated at $10 million
(1800 × $5300).

3.31.5 Helicopters

The army operates several helicopters, some of them dating back to the Vietnam era
(Table 3.18).

TABLE 3.18 Helicopters and Duties
Helicopter Duties
UH-1 Iroquois (Huey) Personnel ferrying helicopter (900)
UH-60 Blackhawk Personnel ferrying helicopter
CH-47 Chinook Heavy-cargo-lifting helicopter (431)
AH-1 Cobra Gunship (19)
AH-64 Apache Attack helicopter (743)
OH-58 Kiowa Reconnaissance helicopter
RAH-46 Comanche Reconnaissance, light attack, and air combat helicopter
(1213) (Deployed in 2008)
MH-16 Little bird Light assault