JDAM PRECISION GUIDED WEAPONS SYSTEMS
Protective Packaging provides stringent MIL-SPEC packaging solution to major defense contractor for the preservation of moisture, heat and static sensitive JDAM weapons system.
Protective Packaging was contacted by a major defense contractor in March of 1997. The contractor shared that they had a new weapon system that consisted of a WWII and Vietnam era "dumb bomb" married with a modern GPS guidance system to achieve surgical precision accuracy in its delivery.
The challenge came when they shared that they must provide a 20 year warranty against any damage caused by corrosion or ESD (electrostatic discharge) and asked if Protective Packaging had any ideas. They had already contacted several other flexible packaging companies, but were told they needed to provide drawings and specifications before any type of quotation could be issued. Within 48 hours of being contacted, Protective Packaging President, Steve Hanna and Vice President Jim Hiller were at their facility in St. Louis working on a solution. After a 3 hour discovery meeting, Protective Packaging returned to Dallas and began aggregating materials that would meet or exceed the following stringent requirements:
* Package must be moisture proof
* Package must be vapor proof
* Package must be heat sealable
* Package must have conductive interior
* Package must have a MVTR of .002 of less
* Package must be durable
* Package must be dull not shiny
* Package must be able to hold an indefinate vacuum
Two weeks later, Protective Packaging returned to St. Louis with 3 different materials that would meet or exceed the outlined requirements. By the end of the meeting, a decision had been reached as to the material to be utilized.
After several more visits and severe testing, which included thermal, vibration, altitude, loose cargo and drop tests, the material was approved and a quotation for the original requirement of 1,500 barrier bags was issued. By April 2002, Protective Packaging had manufactured their 50,000th barrier bag.