How do you maintain military transport cases in extreme conditions?

Military transport cases are essential for safely transporting sensitive equipment in the most challenging conditions. Whether it’s desert heat, arctic cold, salty seawater or dusty environments, these cases must continue to function reliably. Proper maintenance is therefore not an afterthought but a necessity. With the right cleaning and maintenance routines, you can significantly extend the life of your military transport cases and ensure that their valuable contents remain optimally protected, even under the harshest conditions.

Why is regular maintenance of military transport cases crucial?

Regular maintenance of military transport cases is important because it significantly extends the service life and reliability of this essential equipment. Without proper maintenance, fasteners, hinges and seals can quickly wear out or become damaged, compromising the protective properties of the case and putting its valuable or sensitive contents at risk.

This risk is even greater in extreme environments. Consider desert conditions where fine sand can penetrate every mechanical component, or tropical areas where constant humidity can accelerate corrosion. In arctic regions, rubber seals can become brittle due to the extreme cold, while salt water in maritime environments can quickly corrode metal parts.

Defence equipment is often not only valuable, but also mission-critical. If a transport case fails during an operation, this can have far-reaching consequences. Think of communication equipment that becomes unusable or precision instruments that are damaged. Regular maintenance prevents these problems and ensures that your equipment remains operational at all times, regardless of the circumstances.

Moreover, preventive maintenance is always more cost-effective than replacing damaged cases or, worse still, their valuable contents. A good maintenance schedule is therefore not a luxury but a necessary investment that saves time, money and operational problems in the long run.

What damage can extreme conditions cause to military cases?

Extreme conditions can cause various types of damage to military transport cases, depending on the type of environment and the materials from which the case is made. This damage can seriously affect the functionality and protective properties of the case if timely action is not taken.

In desert environments, sand is the biggest enemy. It penetrates hinges, fasteners and seals, leading to increased friction and wear. The abrasive effect of sand particles can slowly grind away metal parts and damage precision fasteners. In addition, the extreme heat in desert areas can cause plastic components to deform or weaken, and rubber seals to dry out and crack.

Humid tropical climates present yet another set of challenges. Constant exposure to moisture can lead to mould growth inside the case, especially in foam rubber inserts. Metal parts such as hinges, latches and reinforcement corners can corrode, even if they have a protective coating. This corrosion not only weakens the structural integrity but can also cause moving parts to jam.

Maritime environments, particularly salt water, are particularly aggressive for military transport cases. Salt significantly accelerates the corrosion process and can even affect high-quality metals. Salt crystals left behind after evaporation can damage seals and cause electrical problems in cases with built-in electronic components.

In arctic conditions, materials are tested in a different way. Extreme cold makes plastics and rubber seals brittle, causing them to crack on impact. Temperature fluctuations cause condensation to form inside the case, which in turn can lead to moisture damage to the contents or corrosion of internal metal components.

How do you clean military transport cases after exposure to sand and dust?

Thoroughly cleaning military transport cases after exposure to sand and dust is essential to prevent wear and tear and maintain functionality. Always start by removing the contents and checking them for any damage or sand particles that may have entered.

Start with dry cleaning to remove most of the sand and dust. Use low-pressure compressed air (2-3 bar) to blow sand particles out of hard-to-reach areas such as hinges, fasteners and corners. Keep the compressed air at a sufficient distance to prevent damage to sensitive parts. A soft brush can help loosen stubborn dirt without causing scratches.

For the exterior of the case, after dry cleaning, you can use a damp cloth with lukewarm water. Avoid excessive water, especially for cases that are not completely waterproof. For stubborn dirt, you can use a mild soap solution, but always rinse thoroughly and dry the case thoroughly to prevent water stains.

Pay extra attention to the seals and rubber parts. These are crucial for the waterproofing of the case, but are also particularly sensitive to sand particles. Clean them carefully with a damp cloth and then treat them with a suitable silicone spray or rubber conditioner to prevent drying out and cracking.

For hinges and locking mechanisms, it is important to apply a thin layer of suitable lubricant after cleaning. Choose a dry lubricant based on PTFE or silicone in desert environments, as these attract less sand than traditional oils or greases.

Don’t forget the interior of the case. Foam inserts can be cleaned with compressed air and, if necessary, a slightly damp cloth. Allow them to dry completely before closing the case again to prevent mould growth.

What is the correct procedure for maintenance after exposure to salt water?

After exposure to salt water, quick and thorough action is essential to prevent corrosion and long-term damage to military transport cases. Salt water is particularly aggressive to metal parts and can cause noticeable damage within a few hours if not addressed.

Start by thoroughly rinsing the case with clean fresh water as soon as possible after exposure to salt water. This is the most important step in removing salt residue before it can penetrate and cause corrosion. Thoroughly rinse all corners, edges, hinges and closures. For cases that are not completely waterproof, it is important to also check the interior for salt water ingress.

After rinsing, the case must be completely dried. To do this, first use absorbent cloths to remove most of the water, then leave the case open in a well-ventilated area. For hard-to-reach areas, compressed air can be used to blow away water. Avoid direct sunlight during drying, as this can cause plastic parts to warp.

Pay extra attention to metal parts such as hinges, fasteners, corner protectors and any internal metal frames. These are most susceptible to corrosion. After drying, it is advisable to treat these parts with a suitable anti-corrosion agent or a light coating of WD-40 or a similar product that displaces water.

Rubber seals deserve special care after contact with salt water. Salt can dry out rubber seals and make them porous, causing them to lose their waterproof properties. Clean them thoroughly with fresh water and then treat them with a silicone spray or special rubber conditioner to keep them supple and effective.

Extra care is required for cases with electronic components such as built-in locks, pressure ventilation systems or automatic pressure regulators. These parts must be inspected for signs of corrosion or salt deposits and cleaned by a specialist if necessary.

How do you protect military transport cases from extreme temperatures?

Protecting military transport cases from extreme temperatures requires both preventive measures and specific treatments, depending on whether you are dealing with extreme heat or freezing temperatures.

For protection against extreme heat, it is important to avoid direct exposure to sunlight whenever possible. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause plastic cases to warp and rubber seals to dry out. If storage in the shade is not possible, consider using reflective covers or tarpaulins to reduce the direct impact of solar radiation.

Plastic cases can benefit from treatment with special UV-resistant coatings that help to slow down ageing caused by sunlight. These coatings should be applied periodically according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For rubber seals, regular treatment with a silicone-based conditioner is essential to prevent drying out and cracking due to heat.

In extremely cold environments, materials become brittle, especially plastics and rubbers. Where possible, avoid sudden temperature fluctuations, such as bringing an ice-cold case into a heated room. This can cause condensation to form inside the case, which can damage the contents and lead to corrosion of metal components.
For use in freezing temperatures, special winter-grade lubricants are recommended for hinges and closures. Standard lubricants can thicken or freeze in extreme cold, causing mechanisms to jam. Silicone lubricants generally perform better at low temperatures than traditional oils.
Also consider applying special sealing kits or extra protective coatings to critical joints for prolonged use in extreme temperatures. These can help maintain the integrity of the seals under conditions for which the case may not have been primarily designed.
Be aware of condensation during temperature transitions. If a cold case is brought into a warm environment, leave it closed until the temperature has stabilised to prevent condensation from forming on the contents. If the case must be opened, wipe off any condensation immediately to prevent corrosion.

At Faes, we design transport solutions for defence that can withstand the harshest conditions. With proper maintenance, these cases will continue to function optimally for years to come, ensuring that your valuable equipment is always safe and ready for use – wherever in the world you operate.

Frequently asked questions

How can I check whether the waterproof seals on my military transport case are still working properly?

Perform a simple inspection by checking the rubber seals for cracks, deformation or hardening. Test the watertightness by placing a piece of kitchen paper in the case, closing it and spraying it lightly with a garden hose. Open the case and check that the paper has remained dry. If in doubt, you can also use a professional pressure test kit to verify the airtightness.

What should I do if the pressure valve on my military transport case becomes clogged?

Clogged pressure valves can cause problems when opening the case at different altitudes. Clean the valve by carefully unscrewing it (if possible) and rinsing it with fresh water.

Then blow it dry with low-pressure compressed air. Never use sharp objects to remove blockages, as this can damage the membrane. If the valve continues to malfunction, replacement is often the best solution.

How can I repair or replace damaged foam in my military transport case?

Slightly damaged foam can be repaired with special foam adhesive for temporary solutions. For permanent repair, replacement is the best option. Measure the exact dimensions of the current foam and order a custom-cut replacement from specialised suppliers. Consider different densities for optimal protection: softer foam for light equipment and harder foam for heavier items. For precision equipment, closed-cell foam is most suitable due to its water-repellent properties.

What precautions should I take when transporting military transport cases by air?

Ensure pressure valves are clean and functional to compensate for pressure differences during altitude changes. Check that all fasteners are extra secured against vibration.

Avoid overloading the case, as pressure changes can put extra stress on the structure. Consider using moisture-absorbing packs for long flights to prevent condensation. Clearly mark cases containing sensitive electronic equipment as fragile.