U.S. Military Aircraft and Asbestos Exposure

From the 1940s through the late 1980s, asbestos was widely used in U.S. military aircraft for its heat-resistant and insulating properties. Found in brake pads, engine compartments, insulation blankets, and cockpit panels, asbestos posed a serious health risk to thousands of service members across every branch of the military. Mechanics, technicians, and aircrew personnel were especially vulnerable to exposure during routine maintenance, flight operations, and repairs. Below is a comprehensive list of military aircraft known to contain asbestos materials, along with the military occupations most affected by this dangerous exposure.

Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this page:

• ✈️ Planes and helicopters from the 1940s to the 1980s used asbestos — in brake pads, engine parts, insulation blankets, cockpit panels, wiring, gaskets, and more.

• 🧰 Mechanics, pilots, technicians, and crew chiefs faced the highest risks, breathing in fibers during routine maintenance, repairs, and inspections.

• ⚠️ Exposure happened in tight spaces—hangars, engine bays, cockpits, and wheel wells—where asbestos dust became airborne when parts were disturbed.

• 🎖️ Many military aircraft veterans are now sick, decades after exposure, with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis—often exposed without warning.

• Visit our 100 Military Veteran’s Asbestos Exposure Article Archive

Number of U.S. Service Members Exposed to Asbestos on Military Aircraft

Asbestos was widely used in U.S. military aircraft for insulation, fireproofing, brake linings, gaskets, and other components to withstand high heat and protect vital systems. Pilots, maintenance crews, and ground personnel serving with these aircraft faced significant asbestos exposure risks.

Total Estimated Exposure: More than 360,000 U.S. military personnel served with or maintained asbestos-containing aircraft, placing them at elevated risk for asbestos-related diseases.

Aircraft with Asbestos Exposure by Branch

For decades, asbestos was used in military aircraft due to its heat resistance and durability. These materials were embedded in brakes, insulation, and engine components—putting countless aircrew and maintenance personnel at risk. Below are examples of aircraft from each service branch where asbestos exposure was common.

C-130 Hercules (Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, Marines)
Asbestos use in the C-130 Hercules exposed many service members—particularly maintenance crews—to significant risks. Valued for its heat resistance and durability, asbestos was used in multiple aircraft components. When disturbed during routine maintenance or overhauls, asbestos fibers became airborne and easily inhaled.

Key asbestos-containing parts included brake pads, which released dust during changes, thermal insulation in engine compartments, engine heat shields, electrical wiring insulation, and high-temperature gaskets and seals. These materials created exposure hazards during standard service tasks, especially when deteriorated or removed, making maintenance on the C-130 a source of repeated asbestos contact.

F-4 Phantom (Air Force, Navy, Marines)
The F-4 Phantom was a powerful multi-role combat aircraft used across multiple branches. Asbestos was built into many of its components due to its fire-resistant properties. During maintenance and operations, exposure occurred when asbestos fibers were disturbed, especially in high-heat zones.

Common asbestos materials included cockpit insulation, engine gaskets, and seals used in electrical panels. These components were often replaced or serviced, releasing fibers into the air. Routine maintenance on avionics, engines, and mechanical systems increased exposure risks. The Phantom’s frequent use in demanding conditions led to repeated handling of asbestos-containing parts throughout its operational lifespan.

CH-47 Chinook (Army, National Guard)
The CH-47 Chinook is a heavy-lift tandem-rotor helicopter widely used by the Army and National Guard. Its large engine compartments and powerful lift systems required durable insulation materials. Asbestos was used to insulate high-heat areas and provide fire protection during missions.

Primary asbestos exposures came from the thermal insulation blankets wrapped around engine components and other heated systems. Mechanics working inside the fuselage and around the engines would disturb asbestos during inspections or part replacements. Regular operation and maintenance of the Chinook frequently brought aircrews and repair teams into contact with asbestos-laden materials in confined spaces.

P-3 Orion (Navy, Air Force)
The P-3 Orion was a long-range maritime patrol aircraft used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and submarine tracking. Its onboard systems and mission duration required thermal stability, leading to asbestos use in various parts of the aircraft.

Asbestos was found in electrical insulation throughout the avionics systems, as well as in the brake linings and engine components that faced extreme heat during missions. Maintenance teams exposed to these materials faced potential contact when replacing insulation, inspecting engines, or repairing landing gear. Routine upkeep of the Orion’s systems frequently disturbed asbestos-containing components built into the aircraft’s structure and flight systems.

UH-1 Huey (Army, Air Force, Marines, National Guard)
The UH-1 Huey served as a versatile utility helicopter across four branches, including combat, medical, and transport missions. Its frequent use in high-demand environments required fireproofing materials that included asbestos for heat resistance and durability.

Exposure typically occurred during servicing of rotor brake systems and engine exhaust insulation, both of which used asbestos to manage heat. These materials degraded over time, making repairs and part removal hazardous. Mechanics working in the engine housing or tail boom were routinely in contact with asbestos-containing wraps and pads. The Huey’s widespread use made it one of the most routinely serviced helicopters of its era.

F/A-18 Hornet (Navy, Marines)
The F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, carrier-capable fighter jet used by both the Navy and Marines. Its combat performance and avionics required advanced fire-resistant materials, many of which contained asbestos.

Exposure risks were highest in the jet’s insulation around avionics bays and heat shielding near engine components. Maintenance crews encountered asbestos during inspections, upgrades, and engine part replacements. The aircraft’s compact design meant technicians often worked in tight quarters where insulation was disturbed. Repeated flight cycles and carrier operations led to wear on asbestos materials, making ongoing maintenance a significant point of exposure during its service.

HH-60 Jayhawk (Coast Guard)
The HH-60 Jayhawk is a medium-range search and rescue helicopter operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. Designed for rapid response missions, it required fire-resistant insulation throughout key systems, which often included asbestos.

Asbestos was found in the heating ducts, engine bay insulation, and other thermal barriers. Crew members and technicians were exposed while working on or near the engine housing or ventilation systems. Routine servicing of internal systems and heat barriers frequently involved disturbing asbestos-laden materials. The Jayhawk’s long hours in marine environments accelerated insulation wear, increasing the likelihood of fiber release during maintenance operations.

KC-135 Stratotanker (Air Force)
The KC-135 Stratotanker is a long-range aerial refueling aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force. Its fuel systems and heat-intensive operations required durable, fireproof materials—many of which included asbestos.

Asbestos was used in brake systems, thermal insulation panels, and heat shielding components. These parts were commonly serviced during flight-readiness checks, creating exposure risks for ground personnel. Inspections and replacements of engine and brake components often released fibers into the surrounding area. The aircraft’s frequent global missions and high-use schedule meant repeated maintenance intervals, increasing the likelihood of asbestos exposure through worn or degraded insulation.

AV-8B Harrier (Marines)
The AV-8B Harrier is a vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) jet used by the Marine Corps. Its unique engine and hover systems operated under extreme heat, necessitating the use of asbestos in multiple areas to withstand harsh flight conditions.

Exposure risks were highest in the engine insulation and cockpit panels, where fireproofing was essential. Ground crews handling inspections or repairs around the engine casing or avionics often disturbed asbestos materials. The Harrier’s operational environment led to routine servicing of high-heat systems, where heat shields and liners had degraded over time. Maintenance in confined or engine-access spaces heightened the risk of asbestos fiber contact.

B-52 Stratofortress (Air Force)
The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range strategic bomber with high-altitude and high-heat performance demands. Its systems were equipped with asbestos-containing materials to manage extreme operational temperatures.

Asbestos was found in cockpit panels, thermal insulation blankets, and brake components, all exposed to intense heat. Maintenance crews frequently replaced or repaired these parts between missions. Working around deteriorated insulation and high-friction brake systems created airborne fiber risks. The aircraft’s long service life and heavy operational tempo led to repeated cycles of servicing and part replacement, making the B-52 one of the more sustained sources of asbestos exposure in aviation.

A-6 Intruder (Navy, Marines)
The A-6 Intruder was a carrier-based attack aircraft used by the Navy and Marines for long-range bombing missions. Built for rugged performance and extreme heat environments, it featured asbestos in several core systems.

Asbestos insulation was used around electronic bays and engine compartments to prevent overheating and fire. These areas required frequent access for inspections and upgrades, which often disturbed the insulation. Engine bay maintenance and avionics servicing presented significant exposure points. The aircraft’s carrier deployment also meant harsher conditions, which caused insulation to break down faster, releasing fibers during routine maintenance and mission-ready servicing on the flight deck.

OH-58 Kiowa (Army)
The OH-58 Kiowa was a light observation and reconnaissance helicopter used primarily by the U.S. Army. Compact in design and exposed to high-heat flight conditions, it required asbestos materials to protect sensitive systems.

Asbestos was present in rotor brake assemblies, cabin insulation, and engine compartments. Crew members and maintenance personnel encountered it while repairing engine systems or accessing the cockpit and electronics. Due to its reconnaissance role, the Kiowa saw frequent operational use, accelerating wear on asbestos-containing parts. Tight internal layouts forced mechanics to work in direct contact with aging insulation, increasing exposure during upkeep and system checks.

E-2 Hawkeye (Navy)
The E-2 Hawkeye is a carrier-based airborne early warning aircraft with a large radar dome and sensitive onboard electronics. It operated under continuous power demands, requiring durable insulation materials—many of which included asbestos.

Asbestos was used in cabin walls, behind electronic racks, and in thermal insulation to protect avionics from heat. Maintenance crews accessed these areas regularly for system upgrades and troubleshooting. The insulation materials, when disturbed, could release fibers into the workspace. The aircraft’s carrier-based nature meant additional wear from salt and moisture, which further degraded the asbestos, leading to increased exposure during mission prep and repairs.

C-5 Galaxy (Air Force)
The C-5 Galaxy is a massive military transport aircraft designed to carry oversized cargo globally. Due to its size and performance needs, it used heat-resistant materials extensively—many containing asbestos.

Asbestos was found in landing gear brakes, fuel system gaskets, and cargo bay insulation. These components were subjected to regular wear and inspection due to the Galaxy’s heavy load demands. Maintenance crews accessed wheel wells and insulation-lined compartments often, releasing fibers during part replacement or cleaning. The aircraft’s large surface area and multiple systems required continuous upkeep, making asbestos exposure a frequent concern during scheduled maintenance operations.

F-111 Aardvark (Air Force)
The F-111 Aardvark was a supersonic strike aircraft with variable-sweep wings, designed for both low-level and high-speed missions. Its high-performance features required fireproofing in several components—many of which contained asbestos.

Asbestos was used as heat insulation within the wings, engine bays, and access panels. These areas faced extreme temperatures and stress during flight, leading to degradation over time. Ground crews performing routine servicing or replacing heat-damaged components often encountered worn insulation. Tight compartments and high-heat zones made repairs challenging, increasing fiber release. The Aardvark’s demanding mission profile required frequent maintenance involving direct contact with asbestos materials.

T-38 Talon (Air Force)
The T-38 Talon is a supersonic trainer jet used by the U.S. Air Force for pilot training. Compact and high-speed, the aircraft contained asbestos in key thermal protection areas.

Asbestos was used in cockpit insulation to manage temperature extremes and in thermal shields near engine controls. These components faced high wear during frequent training missions. Maintenance crews regularly accessed these areas to check avionics or replace aged parts. The T-38’s high use and compact design meant tight workspaces and direct handling of insulation, increasing fiber exposure risks during daily inspection, avionics checks, and airframe maintenance routines.

SH-3 Sea King (Navy)
The SH-3 Sea King was a twin-engine anti-submarine warfare helicopter used by the Navy. Designed for carrier and shipboard missions, it required robust fire protection—often provided by asbestos-containing materials.

Asbestos was found in exhaust insulation wraps and internal fireproofing blankets used to line key systems. These materials were exposed to heat and saltwater, degrading over time. Maintenance work around the engine housing and electrical systems disturbed insulation frequently. Due to the Sea King’s maritime mission profile, exposure to the elements accelerated breakdown, increasing contact with asbestos during engine overhauls, cabin refits, and equipment bay access.

AH-1 Cobra (Army, Marines)
The AH-1 Cobra was a highly maneuverable attack helicopter used by the Army and Marines. Its tight engine bays and rotor systems were lined with heat-resistant materials, including asbestos.

Asbestos insulation was used in the exhaust ducts, rotor brake systems, and engine enclosures. Mechanics were regularly exposed while replacing or inspecting these parts. The compact nature of the Cobra meant that maintenance required direct contact with thermal barriers. Repeated servicing of weapons systems and engine housings disturbed asbestos-laden wraps and seals. Exposure was most likely during field repairs and depot-level maintenance over the aircraft’s extended operational life.

C-141 Starlifter (Air Force)
The C-141 Starlifter was a strategic airlifter used by the Air Force for transporting troops and cargo worldwide. Its large frame and high-powered systems demanded reliable insulation and braking components, many of which contained asbestos.

Asbestos was especially present in cargo area insulation, where fireproofing was essential, and in the brake linings that endured heavy use. Ground crews encountered exposure during routine maintenance or when performing inspections and part replacements. As the aircraft aged, deterioration of these asbestos-based materials increased exposure risks. The Starlifter’s high-flight hours meant more frequent service intervals and repeated contact with asbestos components.

Military Personnel with the Most Asbestos Exposure

Military aircraft maintenance and operations exposed thousands of service members to asbestos, often without their knowledge. From the 1940s through the 1990s, asbestos was widely used for its heat resistance and fireproofing capabilities in nearly every branch of service. The following roles were among the most at risk due to frequent contact with asbestos-containing parts, insulation, and equipment during routine duties, inspections, and repairs. Prolonged time in enclosed aircraft, hangars, or maintenance areas further increased exposure risks, especially when asbestos fibers became airborne from deteriorating components or during mechanical servicing.

Aircraft Mechanics
Aircraft mechanics played a central role in maintaining military aircraft, routinely handling components containing asbestos. During brake replacements, clutch repairs, and engine maintenance, mechanics worked in close contact with asbestos-laden insulation, seals, and gaskets.

Asbestos dust was often released while sanding, scraping, or removing worn-out materials from engine bays or landing gear. These tasks required direct access to parts that had been exposed to high heat and pressure. Over time, the breakdown of older components made asbestos more friable. Frequent maintenance cycles and long hours in hangars contributed to repeated exposure throughout a mechanic’s day-to-day responsibilities.

Avionics Technicians
Avionics technicians serviced the intricate electrical systems and control panels within military aircraft. These systems relied on heat-resistant materials, and asbestos was commonly used in wire insulation and circuit board backing.

Technicians often removed access panels and insulation blankets to reach wires and instruments, unknowingly disturbing asbestos materials during routine inspections. Avionics bays were often compact and lined with thermal protection, intensifying the risk. Servicing older aircraft presented greater challenges, as original insulation degraded over time. Daily tasks such as wire tracing, soldering, and component swaps brought technicians into close proximity with aged, asbestos-containing components and surrounding panels.

Crew Chiefs
Crew chiefs managed aircraft maintenance teams and directly oversaw operational readiness, often working hands-on with various components. Their duties brought them into contact with asbestos in engine compartments, brake systems, and exhaust assemblies.

Inspections, system checks, and field repairs frequently involved handling heat-shielded areas or gaskets made with asbestos materials. Even when not performing the tasks themselves, crew chiefs remained in close proximity to maintenance activities where dust was released. The aircraft’s age and usage dictated how degraded insulation and seals had become, making exposure more likely during high-tempo operations or extensive repair cycles on base or in the field.

Aircrew Members
Aircrew members occupied cockpits and cabins lined with thermal insulation for extended periods during missions. In older aircraft, these linings often included asbestos, especially around heating ducts and bulkheads.

Prolonged time in enclosed areas increased the likelihood of exposure to airborne fibers, particularly when insulation became worn, damaged, or disturbed by vibrations during flight. Cabin and cockpit maintenance, seat adjustments, and equipment handling could disrupt asbestos-containing materials. In transport and patrol aircraft, crews rested or worked near walls, floors, and ceilings with asbestos-lined sections, leading to long-term, low-level exposure across repeated flights and missions.

Hangar Technicians
Hangar technicians worked in enclosed environments where military aircraft were housed and serviced. These workspaces often accumulated asbestos dust from ongoing maintenance on older aircraft components.

Daily tasks included assisting mechanics with panel removal, exhaust servicing, and brake inspections—all of which could release asbestos into the air. With poor ventilation or enclosed areas, dust lingered on surfaces and tools. Technicians also cleaned work areas and handled used parts, unknowingly disturbing residual fibers. The hangar setting amplified exposure due to limited airflow and the volume of daily repair activity, especially when working beneath aircraft or around open engine bays.

Engine Specialists
Engine specialists focused on maintaining and repairing jet and helicopter engines, many of which had asbestos-lined components. The high heat and friction within these engines made asbestos a common material for seals, wraps, and insulation.

During disassembly, specialists removed deteriorated gaskets and thermal blankets, often disturbing friable asbestos. These tasks required close contact with engine interiors, where asbestos was applied around turbines, exhausts, and flame guards. Routine replacements and inspections generated fiber dust, especially when scraping or cleaning components. The confined and high-temperature engine environments meant specialists frequently worked inches away from asbestos materials under stressful, hands-on conditions.

Sheet Metal Workers
Sheet metal workers were responsible for fabricating, cutting, and repairing the structural skin of military aircraft. Many of the ducts and panels they worked on were lined or backed with asbestos-containing insulation for fire resistance.

Tasks such as drilling, grinding, or trimming panels disturbed the asbestos behind or within layered materials. Aircraft ductwork and heat shielding systems also used asbestos, which these workers accessed during modification or restoration. Fibers were released during reshaping or attachment of metal parts. These jobs often required tight-space work around avionics bays, fuel lines, and engine heat shields where asbestos had been widely applied.

Welders
Welders performed structural and component repairs on military aircraft, working in high-heat areas that required heavy-duty protection. To shield themselves and nearby parts from extreme temperatures, they used asbestos-containing gloves, blankets, and welding curtains.

These heat-resistant materials degraded with use, releasing fibers as they cracked or burned under heat. Welders also worked near engine compartments and exhaust systems, which were sometimes wrapped in asbestos insulation. Sparks, grinding, and thermal stress disturbed surrounding materials. The repeated folding and handling of asbestos welding gear increased the chances of fiber release into the air, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.

Electricians
Electricians serviced wiring systems and power components inside aircraft, where asbestos was often used for insulation. Avionics bays, cockpit panels, and electrical harnesses were commonly lined with asbestos materials to prevent overheating and fire.

Repairing circuits and replacing wires often required pulling back insulation blankets and accessing junction boxes with asbestos components. Tasks like stripping wires, drilling through panels, and cleaning corroded parts could disturb embedded asbestos. These duties were performed in tight spaces with minimal airflow, making fiber containment difficult. Electricians working on aging aircraft faced heightened exposure due to the breakdown of original thermal protection.

Flight Engineers
Flight engineers were responsible for monitoring and maintaining in-flight systems on larger military aircraft. Their stations were often located near engine rooms and electrical control panels where asbestos-lined insulation was used.

Tasks included checking oil pressure, managing engine temperature, and responding to mid-flight mechanical issues. Accessing these systems required interacting with panels, insulation blankets, and piping materials containing asbestos. Repeated inspections and in-flight troubleshooting put engineers near vibration-damaged components. During ground servicing, engineers joined maintenance teams for deeper system access, leading to additional exposure. Their role made them especially vulnerable during long missions in older aircraft models.

Environmental Safety Inspectors
Environmental safety inspectors were responsible for identifying and documenting hazardous materials in aircraft and maintenance facilities. During early decades, inspections occurred before modern asbestos protocols were developed, leading to unintended exposure.

These inspectors entered spaces with known or suspected asbestos, often disturbing insulation to test materials or verify documentation. Areas included brake bays, insulation panels, electrical systems, and maintenance rooms. Without full protective equipment or removal procedures in place, early inspections placed personnel in direct contact with asbestos fibers. Their role required physical presence in enclosed spaces, reviewing high-risk components across multiple aircraft types and ground facilities.

Tool & Die Makers
Tool & die makers crafted specialized parts for aircraft maintenance and modification, often replicating older components made from heat-resistant materials. Many of these original designs used asbestos in seals, gaskets, or fittings.

Fabricating replacements required shaping and grinding materials containing asbestos or working on legacy parts pulled from inventory. Dust was generated when resizing or reworking seals and heat-proof fittings, especially those used in high-temperature zones. Working with metal presses, lathes, and grinders released additional fiber debris. This role frequently supported engine, hydraulic, and exhaust systems—areas where asbestos use was especially common in older aircraft.

Egress Technicians
Egress technicians specialized in maintaining and repairing ejection systems and cockpit safety mechanisms. These systems were packed with heat-resistant materials—including asbestos—used to line panels, cushions, and blast deflectors.

Repairing ejection seats or replacing safety panels often disturbed asbestos-containing shields and padding. These technicians worked in confined cockpit spaces, directly handling parts that had experienced stress or thermal wear. Removing aging materials or replacing insulation required scraping and tool use, increasing fiber release. Because of the sensitivity of the systems involved, egress work demanded precision, placing technicians in close contact with deteriorating asbestos components regularly.

Aircraft Refinishers
Aircraft refinishers handled surface preparation and repainting tasks, frequently sanding, stripping, or painting aircraft sections. Many of these surfaces were coated with asbestos-based primer, filler, or undercoating, especially on older models.

Sanding or grinding these layers disturbed asbestos particles, releasing fibers into the air. Refinishers often worked in enclosed booths or hangars, where airborne dust from fillers and coatings accumulated. Even simple touch-ups or corrosion control involved contact with aged materials. Their duties required prolonged exposure to surfaces with degraded insulation and protective coatings, increasing the risk of inhaling fibers during sanding, priming, or polishing procedures.

Ground Crew Members
Ground crew members played a vital role in maintaining readiness by working on various aircraft systems, especially during launch, recovery, and turnaround procedures. Their tasks often brought them near asbestos-laden components like brakes and landing gear.

Asbestos exposure was common during wheel and brake inspections, where dust accumulated from worn pads and linings. These parts required regular cleaning or replacement, often performed on the flight line or in maintenance bays. Crew members also moved tools and removed panels lined with asbestos insulation. With repeated handling and short turnaround times, exposure to airborne fibers became part of daily operations.

Asbestos Products by Military Branch

Across every branch of the U.S. military, asbestos was used in hundreds of essential products—from insulation and gaskets to brake linings and floor tiles. These materials were valued for their fire resistance but posed serious health risks when disturbed. The list below highlights common asbestos-containing products used by each branch and how they contributed to exposure.

✈️ Air Force

• Brake linings in aircraft, releasing fibers during service and wear.

• Thermal insulation in engine bays, disintegrating into harmful dust over time.

• Cockpit electrical panels lined with asbestos for fireproofing.

• Hydraulic line gaskets containing asbestos, exposed during repairs.

• Cargo bay insulation blankets shedding asbestos fibers with movement.

• Engine component wraps deteriorating under heat and pressure.

• Exhaust system insulation exposed during maintenance.

• Pipe coverings inside aircraft with friable asbestos.

• Fuel tank insulation with asbestos fibers escaping on disturbance.

• Wing joint packing materials using asbestos for durability and heat resistance.

⚓ Navy

• Shipboard aircraft brake assemblies shedding asbestos during landing.

• Bulkhead insulation in carrier-based aircraft loaded with asbestos.

• Cockpit panel seals with asbestos deteriorating with age.

• Wiring insulation on older jets containing friable asbestos.

• Jet blast deflector materials layered with asbestos.

• Asbestos gaskets in turbine engines used in carrier aircraft.

• Protective mats with asbestos used around maintenance areas.

• Launch catapult pads insulated with asbestos materials.

• Aircraft engine room tiles lined with asbestos for heat resistance.

• Hydraulic sealant and paste with asbestos content.

🪖 National Guard

• Rotor brake linings in helicopters releasing asbestos dust.

• Engine insulation wraps used in state-based aircraft maintenance.

• Pipe lagging in aircraft repair facilities.

• Joint compound used in hangar drywall.

• Exhaust shrouds with asbestos components.

• Older gasket materials in equipment.

• Ventilation duct linings with asbestos.

• Aircraft tire assembly brake pads containing asbestos.

• Compressor room insulation in hangars.

• Workbenches with asbestos fireproof covers.

🚁 Coast Guard

• Engine gaskets in rescue aircraft containing asbestos.

• Exhaust pipe wraps shedding asbestos fibers.

• Brake pads on fixed-wing and rotorcraft aircraft.

• Soundproofing insulation lined with asbestos.

• Radar compartment panels containing asbestos.

• Floor tiles in aircraft cabins with bonded asbestos.

• Fuel pump gaskets with asbestos insulation.

• Maintenance gloves lined with asbestos.

• Wiring bundles wrapped in asbestos sleeves.

• Cabin heaters with asbestos shielding.

🎖️ Army

• Rotor blade friction materials with asbestos.

• Exhaust manifold insulation on helicopters.

• Asbestos tape on avionics wiring.

• Landing gear brake assemblies.

• Maintenance bay ceiling tiles with asbestos.

• Older paint products containing asbestos.

• Fireproof blankets stored onboard.

• Fuel system valves with asbestos seals.

• Thermal barriers in armored aircraft seats.

• Clutch components in aircraft used for troop transport.

🦅 Marines

• Asbestos-insulated wire harnesses.

• Engine room thermal panels.

• Protective covers for engine parts with asbestos.

• Jet nozzle asbestos deflectors.

• Cabin air duct linings.

• Fire-retardant cockpit padding.

• Brake dust accumulating in gear wells.

• Emergency repair kits with asbestos wraps.

• Power generator insulation aboard aircraft.

• Avionics bay door seals.

Asbestos Exposure in Military Aircraft: What Veterans Need to Know

For decades, military aircraft across all branches were built using asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos was valued for its heat resistance, strength, and insulating properties—making it a standard material in aircraft brake systems, engine bays, cockpit insulation, wiring wraps, and exhaust ducts. However, these materials put veterans at risk for serious illnesses like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, especially during maintenance or prolonged exposure.

Helicopters such as the AH-1 Cobra (Army, Marines) used asbestos in:

• Exhaust insulation

• Rotor brake linings

• Engine compartment enclosures

• Cockpit fireproofing and wiring insulation

Over time, the breakdown of these materials released asbestos fibers into the air—posing a long-term health hazard for crew members and maintenance personnel.

✈️ Asbestos Exposure in Civilian Aircraft: What Aviation Workers Need to Know

For much of the 20th century, civilian aircraft—used by commercial airlines, private operators, and freight carriers—were built with components containing asbestos. Prized for its fire resistance, durability, and insulation capabilities, asbestos was widely used in aircraft brakes, engine heat shields, cabin insulation, wiring bundles, and hydraulic systems. Unfortunately, these materials exposed aviation workers, mechanics, and flight crews to serious health risks, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Civilian aircraft such as Boeing 727s, DC-9s, and early Learjets contained asbestos in:

🛠️ Brake pads and disc linings
🛠️ Engine firewalls and heat shielding
🛠️ Electrical wiring insulation
🛠️ Cabin heater systems and air ducts
🛠️ Soundproofing and vibration-dampening panels

Routine maintenance, inspections, and retrofits often disturbed asbestos materials—releasing microscopic fibers into confined hangar spaces and cabins. Ground crews, avionics specialists, and even pilots who serviced their own planes may have unknowingly inhaled these fibers, leading to long-term health consequences.

✈️ Mesothelioma Lawsuits and Legal Options for Aircraft Veterans

If you or someone you love served aboard or maintained military aircraft and has since been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Legal claims are not filed against the military, but rather against the manufacturers of asbestos-containing parts.

You may qualify for:

• Asbestos Trust Fund Compensation – Over $30 billion is available from manufacturers

• Lawsuits for Exposure – Most settle out of court with no upfront legal fees

• Wrongful Death Claims – Available for surviving spouses and dependents of deceased veterans

VA Benefits for AH-1 Cobra and Other Aircraft Veterans

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related diseases due to military service may also be eligible for:

• 100% VA disability rating for mesothelioma

• Monthly, tax-free compensation

• Access to full VA healthcare services

• DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) for surviving spouses and children

👉 Filing a legal claim does not interfere with your VA benefits. You can pursue both legal and VA claims simultaneously.

⚙️ How the Claims Process Works

🆓 Free Case Review

We confirm your diagnosis and military aircraft service.

📄 Exposure Documentation

Our team links your role to specific asbestos sources.

📝 File Claims

We pursue compensation through trust funds and legal action.

💰 Receive Compensation

Most cases resolve within 6 to 18 months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

✈️ Q. Did military helicopters and aircraft really use asbestos?

A: Yes. Aircraft like the AH-1 Cobra, F-4 Phantom, C-130, and others used asbestos in critical heat-sensitive components.

⚖️ Q. Do I need to sue the military?

A: No. Claims are filed against the manufacturers of the asbestos products—not against the U.S. military or government.

⏳ Q. Can I still file if I was exposed decades ago?

A: Yes. Most states allow claims to be filed within 2–3 years of diagnosis, not exposure.

🛡️ Q. Can I file both a VA claim and a legal claim?

A: Yes. These are separate and do not conflict with each other.

🔍 Q. What if I’m unsure about where or how I was exposed?

A: We have detailed records on asbestos use in military aircraft—including AH-1 Cobras and other platforms—to support your claim.

Why Veterans Trust Us

• ✅ 25+ years of experience helping Army, Marine, Navy, and Air Force veterans

• ✅ Extensive documentation on asbestos use in military aircraft

• ✅ Over $1 billion recovered for veterans and their families

• ✅ No upfront fees—you only pay if you win

• ✅ Trusted by veterans nationwide

Free Case Evaluation for Military Aircraft Veterans

If you served aboard, flew in, or maintained military aircraft—including the AH-1 Cobra—and were later diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease:

📞 Call 800.291.0963 or
📝 Complete the Free Case Form Below

We’ll confirm your exposure and help you file for the compensation you’ve earned.