PPG Donates Coatings, Sealants to Help Restore Douglas C-54 Skymaster Aircraft

Rhea-AI Summary

PPG (NYSE:PPG) has provided coatings and sealants to restore the 74-year-old Douglas C-54 Skymaster aircraft, used during significant military operations. The restoration, driven by the Save the Skymaster initiative, aims to make the aircraft airworthy within 18 to 24 months. PPG supplied various aerospace products, highlighting its commitment to preserving aviation history and aiding engineering graduates through practical experience. PPG reported net sales of $13.8 billion in 2020 and operates globally in aerospace sectors.

Positive

• Collaboration with Save the Skymaster to restore a significant historical aircraft.
• PPG's involvement showcases commitment to industry and community, providing hands-on training for engineering graduates.
• Potentially increasing brand awareness and goodwill through community engagement.

Negative

• None.

PPG (NYSE:PPG) today announced that it recently supplied coatings and sealants to help restore a 74-year-old, four-engine transport aircraft – the Douglas C-54 Skymaster, serial number 56498.

PPG today announced that it recently supplied coatings and sealants to help restore a 74-year-old, four-engine transport aircraft – the Douglas C-54 Skymaster, serial number 56498. (Photo: Business Wire)

Manufactured in 1945, the aircraft was used by the U.S. Army Air Force as a workhorse to transport medical supplies, troops and military equipment during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. It left military service in 1973 and was flown as a sprayer from 1975 to 1985.

After its first restoration was completed in 2002, the aircraft was flown to England to be featured in a film about the Berlin Airlift. The film was cancelled, and the C-54 Skymaster sat exposed at the North Weald Airfield in Essex. In 2017, Allan Vogel, Save the Skymaster chairman and aircraft broker, made it his mission to save the aircraft frame from being turned into scrap.

“The history of this particular Douglas C-54 Skymaster is quite remarkable, and it is the only aircraft of its kind currently in the U.K.,” said Vogel. “We knew that this restoration would take sponsors, volunteers and high-quality aerospace products to bring the C-54 back to life. We are grateful to PPG for its support and contributions.”

PPG provided various coatings and sealants products to restore the C-54 Skymaster’s integral fuel tanks, such as PPG P/S 870^® Class B corrosion inhibitive sealant, PPG PR-1440^® Class A fuel tank sealant, PPG PR-1005^® L Buna-N Slosh coating, as well as other products for interior and exterior aircraft structures.

“At PPG, we appreciate being able to contribute our aerospace expertise and resources to organizations that are dedicated to preserving significant pieces of aviation history,” said David Best, PPG sales manager, Shildon application support center, aerospace. “Save the Skymaster is also committed to helping veterans and engineering graduates gain real-world experience, with the restoration project providing hands-on learning opportunities for those involved.”

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many engineering graduates have been unable to complete their internships. Save the Skymaster is stepping in and linking up with various colleges to help provide practical on the job training.

“Throughout history, the C-54 Skymaster is synonymous with bringing help and relief to others during their time of need,” added Vogel. “We wanted to continue this legacy. Along with recent graduates, we offer all veterans the opportunity to come and work side-by-side with our esteemed engineers. In doing so, they become better equipped to re-enter the workforce.”

Based on the current project timeline, Vogel believes the C-54 Skymaster will be airworthy within 18 to 24 months

PPG’s global aerospace business offers coatings, sealants, adhesives, transparencies, packaging and application systems, and transparent armour, as well as chemical management and other services. For more information, visit www.ppgaerospace.com.

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD™

At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty materials that our customers have trusted for more than 135 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $13.8 billion in 2020. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.

We protect and beautify the world is a trademark and the PPG Logo is a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
PR-1005, PR-1440, and P/S 870 are registered trademarks of PRC-DeSoto International, Inc.

CATEGORY Aerospace

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210125005599/en/

FAQ

What is PPG's role in the restoration of the Douglas C-54 Skymaster?

PPG supplied coatings and sealants needed for the aircraft's restoration.

How long will the restoration of the Douglas C-54 Skymaster take?

The aircraft is expected to be airworthy within 18 to 24 months.

What historical significance does the Douglas C-54 Skymaster hold?

The C-54 Skymaster was used by the U.S. Army Air Force for transporting supplies during World War II and other conflicts.

What products did PPG provide for the aircraft restoration?

PPG provided various coatings and sealants, including corrosion inhibitive sealant and fuel tank sealant.

How is PPG contributing to the training of engineering graduates?

PPG's collaboration with Save the Skymaster offers practical on-the-job training opportunities for engineering graduates.