Airplane antennas are mission-critical components responsible for communication, navigation, and real-time data transmission. A commercial aircraft may carry up to 30 antennas—military aircraft, more than 130—all externally mounted and continuously exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Jet fuel, deicing fluid, salt air, UV, and rain all contribute to corrosion risk.
At the same time, these antennas must maintain reliable electrical conductivity with the aircraft fuselage for proper EMI shielding, lightning strike protection, and grounding.
Corrosion prevention alone isn’t enough. If the interface between the antenna base and fuselage degrades due to galvanic corrosion, it can result in electrical failure, reduced signal performance, and costly maintenance or replacement.
To meet the unique challenges of antenna mounting, a gasket must do more than just seal out moisture and corrosive fluids—it must also deliver consistent, reliable electrical conductivity across the entire mating surface.
Parker Chomerics METALASTIC® EXP-URE gaskets deliver both:
Unlike traditional woven-wire or particle-filled gaskets, EXP-URE ensures uniform surface conductivity for EMI shielding and lightning strike grounding—even under low compression.
EXP-URE achieves through conductivity at less than 15% deflection and requires only 10 psi—compared to 400–600 psi required by typical solutions. That means:
EXP-URE is built to endure aggressive fluids and extreme conditions. It exceeds salt fog test standards and performs reliably in areas prone to corrosion such as lavatories, galleys, and external mounts.
The expanded aluminum structure provides high-through conductivity across the entire gasket surface—ensuring dependable EMI shielding and lightning strike protection in antenna, radar, and electronics applications.
EXP-URE delivers electrical performance at low compression, minimizing installation torque, structural stress, and sealing failures.
EXP-URE gaskets have no orientation requirements, simplifying installation and reducing the chance of errors during assembly.
Available in custom shapes and sizes, EXP-URE gaskets are die-cut to your specifications—ensuring uniform contact and consistent sealing in critical aerospace interfaces.
METALASTIC® EXP-URE has been qualified in a wide range of commercial and defense aircraft programs. Backed by Parker Chomerics’ global engineering and manufacturing network—with facilities across North America, Europe, China, India, and Malaysia—we offer short lead times, application-specific solutions, and a commitment to zero defects.
Protect your antennas. Improve electrical performance. Lower your costs.
Learn more about METALASTIC® EXP-URE or request a sample today.
Blog Post contributed by Jesse Hagar, Product Manager, Chomerics Division.
Parker Chomerics METALASTIC EXP-URE Corrosion Resistant Expanded Aluminum Gasket. Learn More.
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