A-7 turbine blade cleaning

[Navy Chief]

Before I joined the Navy, way back in 1972, NAVAIR maintenance procedures for cleaning A-7 turbine blades, was to spray pulverized (powdered) walnut shells into the intake. The intake cover screens had a hole on the face for connection of a hose..... The process was halted before I joined, but I was aware of it.

90021

[MrZippy]

Yep, I have heard of that too! You joined in '72 and I got out in '72......youngster! :wavey:

[Mike71]

Yep, I have heard of that too! You joined in '72 and I got out in '72......youngster! :wavey:You are both youngsters!

This was the era of introducing low bypass turbofan engines; the process was actually for cleaning compressor blades, not turbine blades, but a pretty clumsy approach. I imagine it was just too hard and the Navy found some better way or it was not all that necessary.

[Navy Chief]

You are both youngsters!

This was the era of introducing low bypass turbofan engines; the process was actually for cleaning compressor blades, not turbine blades, but a pretty clumsy approach. I imagine it was just too hard and the Navy found some better way or it was not all that necessary.


Thank you for the clarification, Mike. As for being a "youngster", my bathroom mirror and my body tells a different story 😏! Pete

[Mike71]

Thank you for the clarification, Mike. As for being a "youngster", my bathroom mirror and my body tells a different story ! Pete
Unfortunately for me Chief, I turned 80 in January - I only see a faint glow in my mirror -- unless I use my glasses.