Speed tape
{{Short description|Aluminum tape for vehicle repairs}}
{{Distinguish||text=airspeed tape, a graphical representation of the indicated airspeed on the primary flight display}}File:Speed tape.jpg
Speed tape is an aluminium pressure-sensitive tape used to perform minor repairs on aircraft and racing cars. It is used as a temporary repair material until a more permanent repair can be carried out. It has an appearance similar to duct tape, for which it is sometimes mistaken, but its adhesive is capable of sticking on an airplane fuselage or wing at high speeds, giving it the common name.
Properties
Depending on the adhesive layer used, it can be resistant to water, solvents, and, for brief periods, flames, and will reflect heat and UV light. It is also able to expand and contract through a wide range of temperatures.
Speed tape may be formed of soft aluminium with an adhesive layer,{{cite web |title=Aluminum Foil Tape 425 • 427 |publisher=3M |url=http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/1115279O/425-foil-tape.pdf |accessdate=21 November 2018}} or a multi-layer laminate including aluminium and cloth in addition to an adhesive layer.{{cite web |title=Aluminum Foil Tape And Liner Laminated With Cotton Cloth P-12L |publisher=Nitto Denko |url=http://www.nitto.com/us/en/products/group/maskingtape/paint/025/ |accessdate=21 November 2018}}
Use
File:United Airbus A319 N841UA with speed tape after take off from Boston Feb 2025 3 MARKED.jpg]]
Speed tape is sometimes used to protect sealant while curing,{{cite news |date=27 October 2011 |title=Oh my god, they're duct-taping our plane! |work=Salon |url=http://www.salon.com/2011/10/27/ryanair_duct_tape_controversy/ |accessdate=6 July 2014}} or to patch non-critical components of an aircraft.{{cite news |date=31 July 2009 |title=Information: The good, the bad and the ugly |work=Salon |url=http://www.salon.com/2009/07/31/askthepilot329/ |accessdate=6 July 2014}} It can also be used for patching bullet damage to combat aircraft.{{cite book |year=1982 |title=Battle for the Falklands (3): Air Forces |publisher=Osprey Publishing |isbn=9780850454932 |page=22 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZUjMYkfr-pwC&pg=PA22}}{{cite journal |year=1980 |journal=Air Force Magazine |publisher=Air Force Association |volume=63 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2tI9AQAAIAAJ}}
Use of speed tape should be authorized by engineering teams, and has to comply with certain requirements. Fines can be levied against airlines that use it to make improper repairs.{{cite news |last=Phillips |first=Don |date=4 December 2002 |title=Improper Use of Tape to Fix Wings May Lead to FAA Fine for United |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/2002/12/04/improper-use-of-tape-to-fix-wings-may-lead-to-faa-fine-for-united/21f78dd8-b490-43a6-816e-dde5520b8dc7/ |accessdate=28 April 2023 }}