OUTLAW BANDIT Passive Countermeasure System (PCMS)

              PASSIVE COUNTERMEASURES SYSTEM (PCMS) MATERIALS




        Passive Countermeasure System  (PCMS) materials are generally neoprene 
rubber tiles installed on topside equipment and structures that are used 
to minimize radar signatures. The NAVSEA Program Office, SEA 03T1, began 
installing hypalon coated tile during the 3rd QTR FY 97 beginning with
the USS CHANCELLORSVILLE (CG 62). The hypalon coated tiles do not require 
paint nor should they be painted. However, the majority of PCMS treated 
ships have the non-hypalon coated neoprene rubber tiles which require 
painting. From time to time, the coating on the PCMS neoprene tiles may 
peel and need to be repainted. The Planned Maintenance System (PMS) calls 
for monthly inspections of the PCMS materials. The paint system to be 
used on CG 47, DD 963, and FFG 7 class ships is a haze gray latex  
(water-based) paint (MIL-E-24763); NSN 9Q 8010-01-344-5110. The paint 
system to be used on DDG 51 class ships is a VOC compliant silicone alkyd 
paint (MIL-E-24635); refer to MIP 4722/007-96; unscheduled MRC U-7. It
is  important to note that completion of the PCMS Personnel Certification  
Program is recommended before doing any work on PCMS materials.
Refer to technical manual SE-400-DA-MMO-010 for this program.  
 


        Steps for the repair of peeling PCMS tile paint:



        1.      Use a paint scraper to remove all loose paint being
careful not to damage the PCMS tile.

        

        2.      Use fresh water to wash off any salt deposits.



        3.      Lightly abrade remaining edges of intact paint with a
"Scotchbrite" abrasive cloth (greenie pad) until adherent paint is found.



        4.      Wipe prepared area with "PF-32 Degreaser" using clean
white rags.



        5.      Wipe degreased area with 1:1 mixture of fresh water and
isopropyl alcohol using clean white rags, and allow surface to dry completely. 



        6.      Apply latex paint by spraying, brushing or rolling.



        NOTE:  If more than four coats of paint are applied to PCMS
tiles, it's performance will begin to degrade. Therefore, any time PCMS tiles 
are painted, ships force must complete an OPNAV 2K/2Q form to document the painting.



        Steps for removal of paint > than 15 mils.



        IMA/shipyards/contractors will use a chemical paint remover
called PEEL-AWAY 7, (NSN 8010-01-434-4696) this is currently the only approved wholesale
paint removal method for use on PCMS tiles.  This chemical paint remover 
is approved for shipboard use and is contained in the Hazardous Material 
Information System (HMIS) CD ROM and in the ships Hazardous Material List 
(SHML). It  consists of a paste that is applied approximately 1/4" thick 
with a brush or roller then covered with a treated paper to slow the 
evaporation rate. It is left on the painted surface anywhere from 30 
minutes up to 8 hours depending on how  many mils of paint are to be 
removed and environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and wind 
all which affect the removal time. Ensure all safety protection is worn 
and follow all manufactures recommendations for use. Further information 
may be obtained from PCMS MIP 4722/007-96 unscheduled MRC U-8. 



        Further information regarding the repair of installation of PCMS tiles 
is available from NSWC-Port Hueneme Division, Code 5A33, (805) 982-8642, 
DSN 551-8642.