User:Penguinshark02/Speed Tape

Speed Tape is a heavy-duty aluminum bonding tape used frequently on aircrafts and racing cars to quickly repair minor damages or hold together small parts when full repairs can't be made immediately. . It is incredibly resilient to the weather and is hard to remove. The tape is able to work even at high speeds, giving it its name and making it suitable for use on aircrafts and racing cars.

Photo of speed tape used to patch a crack

Properties

Speed tape is made with similar aluminum found in aircrafts and racing cars and is made to withstand their high speeds. Speed tape is capable of sticking in any temperature because of its ability to expand or constrict in high or low temperature, respectively. The tape is able to dampen vibrations from the environment and sound. It is also able to withstand weather and solvents, resistant to heat, and is water and fire proof. Speed tape isn't affected by UV degradation because of its ability to deflect UV radiation.

Speed tape is also very difficult to remove.

Use

Speed Tape is often used in situations where immediate repairs on aircrafts or racing cars can't be made.

Aircraft companies use speed tape because it can be applied quickly and is able to patch up holes or hold together broken parts; much of the repairs that are made with speed tape are noncritical and superficial. Speed tape also helps to smooth out airflow whereas it would be unbalanced with gaps and holes. A very common use of speed tape is using it to make sure a sealant that is applied to a window frame or panel stays in place while it is curing.

Having high speed air enter gaps could slightly throw off the balance of an engine or fairing due to vibrations. Additionally, in very rare occasions, the difference in air pressure could result in the fairing being torn off. Applying the tape would remove the chances for these to happen.

Aircraft companies also use speed tape because it removes the delays in an aircrafts schedule that would result from repairs being made. Having an aircraft in the air instead of being repaired on the ground results in more profits for a company.

Speed tape was originally designed for use in the military because repairs weren't readily available for aircrafts when fighting. It was used to patch up bullet holes or fix rotors on helicopters.

Legality of use on aircrafts

Speed tape is approved to be used on aircrafts by the Federal Aviation Administration. Each aircraft has its own rules manual about the use of speed tape; breaking these rules would result in a fine from regulators. While it is adequate to fly using speed tape, it is designed as a temporary fix and planes must have plans to be repaired in the near future. When speed tape is applied to aircrafts, a maintenance crew and technicians must confirm that that the tape is applied properly and that it is sufficiently holding damaged parts together.

Controversy

Despite the frequent use of speed tape on aircrafts, there is a lack of information in the general population on the tape. The use of speed tape often causes worry among passengers because of its similar appearance to duct tape. In some cases, speed tape is applied sloppily,

In recent years, some concerned passengers have taken pictures about the use of speed tape and have posted them them on social media, causing controversy with the aircraft companies that use it. This has resulted in articles and news broadcasts being made about the apparent use of duct tape to fix broken parts of aircrafts.