Military Tunner Aircraft Loader Boasts Brazed Copper-Brass Radiator

NEW YORK--March 21, 2006--The International Copper Association announces that a new copper-brass radiator design has been developed for the renowned Tunner aircraft loading system. This heat exchanger is manufactured by RADAC Corp. using the innovative CuproBraze technology, the first use of CuproBraze in a military application.

RADAC was among the first U.S. heat exchanger manufacturers to adopt the CuproBraze technology. The company subsequently completed a successful First Article Inspection on sample radiators with major defense contractor Systems & Electronics Inc.

SEI asked RADAC to develop a new radiator because the radiators previously in use were not meeting specifications. RADAC implemented CuproBraze technology to obtain stronger joints than those obtained by soldering. It also provided a high level of quality assurance in the manufacturing process, and developed an improved mounting system that allows air to flow smoothly across the radiator core.

The Tunner radiator is an ideal component for the demanding needs of the 60K Tunner Aircraft Cargo Loader/transporter, which is designed and built for the United States Air Force (USAF) for service at airbases worldwide.

CuproBraze is a more efficient alternative to aluminum-brazing processes and other joining methods such as welding and soldering. The technology joins new alloys of copper and brass with a filler metal that melts at a relatively high brazing temperature. This results in joints that are much stronger than soldered joints; and, unlike welding, brazing does not melt the base metals, so the dimensions can be tightly controlled and dissimilar alloys can be joined.

"The Tunner application is just one example of how CuproBraze allows us to offer superior products," says Jim Cornwell, VP of manufacturing at RADAC. "It is a unique example, however, considering the crucial function of the Tunner loader with respect to airlift operations in the wake of natural disasters such as tsunamis, hurricanes and earthquakes."

For more information, contact the International Copper Association, (212) 251-7245 or write to ICA at 260 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10016-2401.

The International Copper Association, Ltd. is the leading organization for the promotion of the use of copper worldwide. The Association's twenty-nine members represent about 80 percent of the world's refined copper output, and its six associate members are among the world's largest copper and copper-alloy fabricators. ICA is responsible for guiding policy, strategy and funding of international initiatives and promotional activities. With headquarters in New York City, ICA operates in 28 worldwide locations through a network of regional offices and copper development associations.