In-situ composite repairs that require high-temperature cures can be problematic. Obtaining uniform cure temperatures is difficult due to heat sinks created by the airframe structures. In addition, when performing high-temperature in-situ repairs on the flight line with a fueled aircraft, many restrictions apply in terms of acceptable equipment and tools, and standard hot-bonding equipment is not allowed at the gate because of the risk of fire-, Wichitech Industries (Baltimore, Md.) and HEATCON Composite Systems (Seattle, Wash.) offer hot bonders designed specifically for use on fueled aircraft. HEATCON's design purges and pressurizes its bonders and uses arc-suppressing power connectors, while Wichitech hermetically seals the elements of its bonders and includes an internal vacuum pump to speed setup time.
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