PPG recently supplied coatings and sealants to help restore a 74-year-old four-engine transport aircraft, the Douglas C-54 Skymaster, employed during World War II by the U.S. Army Air Forces.
PPG provided various coatings and sealants products to restore the U.S. Army aircraft Douglas C-54 Skymaster 56498's integral fuel tanks, such as PPG P/S 870® Class B corrosion inhibitive sealant, PPG PR-1440® Class A fuel tank sealant, PPG PR-1005® L Buna-N Slosh coating, as well as other products for interior and exterior aircraft structures.
It is believed that the C-54 Skymaster will be airworthy within 18 to 24 months.
The history of the Douglas C-54 Skymaster
The Douglas C-54 Skymaster aircraft, manufactured in 1945, was used by U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War to transport medical supplies, troops and military equipment. It left military service in 1973 and was flown as a sprayer from 1975 to 1985.
After its first restoration was completed in 2002, the aircraft was flown to England to be featured in a film about the Berlin Airlift but when the film was cancelled, the C-54 Skymaster sat exposed at the North Weald Airfield in Essex. In 2017, Allan Vogel, Save the Skymaster chairman and aircraft broker, made it his mission to preserve, protect and conserve C-54 Skymaster 56498 and to restore it to working order for the public benefit.
"The history of this particular Douglas C-54 Skymaster is quite remarkable, and it is the only aircraft of its kind currently in the U.K.," said Vogel. "We knew that this restoration would take sponsors, volunteers and high-quality aerospace products to bring the C-54 back to life. We are grateful to PPG for its support and contributions."
"At PPG, we appreciate being able to contribute our aerospace expertise and resources to organizations that are dedicated to preserving significant pieces of aviation history," said David Best, PPG sales manager, Shildon application support centre, aerospace. "Save the Skymaster is also committed to helping veterans and engineering graduates gain real-world experience, with the restoration project providing hands-on learning opportunities for those involved."
"Throughout history, the C-54 Skymaster is synonymous with bringing help and relief to others during their time of need," added Vogel. "We wanted to continue this legacy. Along with recent graduates, we offer all veterans the opportunity to come and work side-by-side with our esteemed engineers. In doing so, they become better equipped to re-enter the workforce."