A SPECIAL fire-proof radio frequency interference (RFI) shielding seal to help protect the engine nacelles of the new Embraer EMB-145 regional jet against lightning strikes has been developed by Dunlop Precision Rubber of Shepshed, UK.
The seal is a "J-section" design and fits around the cowl doors. The company supplies this component and a variety of thermal seals for the anti-icing system to Short Brothers of Belfast, Northern Ireland, which, together with Hurel-Dubois, is responsible for manufacture of EMB-145 engine nacelles.
The RFI seal is a complex fabrication of fire proof silicone rubber and glass cloth, modified with special conductive additives to achieve RFI shielding. Dunlop Precision has developed a range of shielding materials which are designed for sealing enclosures and structures, and which have been tested in accordance with the US military specification MIL-G-83528.
Source: Flight International
