MEXEFLOTES

Following many seasons of low maintenance, the Mexeflotes from 52 Squadron in Marchwood were in need of a bit of TLC in order to get them operational. Landau UK Commercial through Babcock were approached to inspect the Mexeflotes and put together an action plan to ‘make them good’.

Upon initial inspection it was clear that the Mexeflotes were in need of much more than just a ‘make good’ and were in fact in need of a deep refurbishment and repair following years of old paint build up inside and out, and rusted, dented and cracked areas.

Rusted Areas

The bow infil’s had rusted away due to constant contact with water, there were various dents and scrapes all over the structure, plus the shoot bolt housing units had been dented and the bolts on the hatches had become completed rusted.

Landau set about repairing the Mexeflotes. A completely new epoxy paint system was introduced, as were new non slip decking with many samples sent to the end user to make sure we hit the right combination of grip and durability. New hatches and stainless bolts were made and fitted and the whole area was blasted back to metal and then resprayed to help prolong life. Areas which had become completely rusted over were made good with new deck plates being welded in place.  Even the detail of marking the bolts so the end user had instant visibility of tampering.

And finally the inside of the Mexeflotes were completely cleaned out, blasted back to metal and new paint applied.

Blasted panel back to metal

The results are clear to see – the fully repaired Mexeflotes now look as good as new.

Mexeflote ‘Made Good’

"The Mexeflote is a valuable resource of the MOD and has capabilities no other craft can achieve therefore needing maintaining to a very high standard. After several years of maintenance using old systems and procedures we are proud to bring this craft in line with modern systems."

Mark Finch