What does the angle of the sun have to do with protective covers?
Contrary to popular belief, the earth is not closer to the sun during the summer. In fact, it’s farther away. But you’ll notice that the sun sits higher in the sky during warmer months. The result is longer days, but the sun’s rays also hit the earth more directly, which is the primary reason it’s hotter in summer.
So what does this have to do with protective covers?
1. UV rays are more potent in summer, resulting in more damage to critical assets.
Summer sun is more damaging to critical assets. For example, in a place like Central Texas, the UV index at solar noon in winter is 3, while in summer it’s 11. The problem with UV radiation is that it attacks a wide range of components such as rubber, seals, gaskets, coatings, paint, and even ballistic glass. Those UV rays basically break down molecular chains and lead to cracking, drying out, fading, and loss of molecular strength.
Once the molecular chain is broken, the problems grow worse and worse. For example, damage to coatings and paint makes metals more and more susceptible to corrosion, and ballistic glass starts to get yellow and “fog.”
With a protective cover that’s UV resistant, you can block those damaging UV rays and counteract their damaging effects. Not all covers are UV resistant, so be sure to look for one that exceeds the ASTM G154 standard.
2. Solar load increases during summer, leading to serious heat build-up.
The more potent solar rays and higher temps of spring and summer significantly increase solar load. Anyone who’s gotten in a car on a hot and sunny day, or burned their arm leaning on a hot car, has felt the effects of solar load. Solar load is a particular problem in places like helicopter cockpits because of all the glass.
High heat results in severe stress on electrical components which can cause catastrophic failure (such as melting solder joints and burnout of solid state devices). Just as dangerous is heat’s slow but progressive deterioration of components which can cause “ghosting” or “gremlins” where electronics become erratic and unreliable.
“Not all covers are UV resistant, so be sure to look for one that exceeds the ASTM G154 standard.”
A well designed cover absorbs solar load and blocks it from cockpits, vehicle cabins, engine bays, etc. The key is to make sure it’s also highly air-permeable so that moisture isn’t trapped underneath. (See our blog post on air-permeability versus breathability)
As the sun rises in the sky, so does the need for high quality protective covers. They are an immediate, highly cost-effective, and easy way to protect critical assets, thereby increasing readiness, improving warfighter safety, and reducing maintenance costs.
To learn more, visit our Protective Covers page and download the Introductory Brief, or contact us with questions about the best ways to protect your equipment as the temps rise.