Profiles: Rapco

Rapco, Inc. a Wisconsin-based company has manufactured a variety of replacement FAA-approved products that include propeller de-ice components, pneumatic filters, exhaust gaskets, vacuum pumps and brake wear components since 1982.

Rapco, Inc. has become one of the industry leaders in innovative improvements to traditional designs.

Pneumatic Standby Systems

In the mid 1980s, Rapco designed and built a completely automatic standby instrument pneumatic system for the Beechcraft Bonanza — the only one in existence today that does not have to be selected "on" by the pilot. It incorporates an engine driven electromagnetic clutch drive system that engages upon failure of the primary vacuum pump.

New Vacuum Pumps

Rapco then went on to design and build new FAA-approved vacuum pumps that have had several innovative improvements to include a beveled internal rotor that is less susceptible to foreign particle damage from the ingestion of excess carbon or dirt. Additionally, Rapco designed a new rotor cavity that has an advanced Mil. Spec. coating to provide optimum pump life and reduced vane wear. The new Rapco design also has cooling fins machined into the pump to provide better overall cooling and extended service life. Rapco now builds a new RA215CC – RA216CW vacuum pump and new RA441CC – RA442CW series pumps that have a wear port built into the top of the pump so that it is easily accessed by the maintenance technician. This port takes the guesswork out of life left on the pump.

New Brake Linings

Rapco, Inc. molds a wear indicator into the side of their brake lining. Similar to autos or motorcycles, the aircraft owner can now check the wear that is left on his brake lining. The indicator is a small semi-circular impression in the side lining allowing for visual inspection from the side of the brake assembly. Rapco’s new generation lining is made from a specialized composite high temperature Kevlar Fiber that bonds the combination of steel, copper and brass together making an improved friction material that not only provides excellent stopping but also extends the wear life of the brake discs.

New Nickel Brake Discs

Rapco is an industry leader in forged steel brake discs. They are a FAA-PMA direct replacement for the Cleveland and McCauley originals. Rapco uses a heat treated one-piece forged design instead of a welded or cast disc. This offers increased strength and improved heat dissipation, thus reducing excessive lining wear. The one-piece forged design eliminates the corrosion cracking that occurs with the welded original discs and is four times stronger. As a corrosion preventative Rapco electroless nickel plates the disc to keep any rust from forming and corroding the wheel half assembly. This helps extend the overall life of the wheel halves. As we compared discs in the market place Rapco’s were not only better than the original welded discs but they were considerably less expensive.

New Developments

The most recent additions to the Rapco FAA PMA product line are pneumatic components for aircraft instrument systems. Rapco now offers vacuum and pressure regulators, new and overhauled vacuum check valves, and fittings for dry air pumps and instruments.

The Future

Rapco, Inc. is continuing to develop further innovations in general aviation, corporate, and commuter after market parts. Rapco is currently FAA approving more products in the pneumatic and propeller de-ice areas. For further information contact the company at www.rapco-rfs.com or by telephone at 800-527-2726.