OT-157TN vs E&H 743-MT: Where Each Tape Wins
Aerospace Tapes · Insulation Blanket Tape · BMS 5-157
If you spec Orcotape OT-157TN for aircraft insulation blanket fabrication, you already know what it does. What you may not know is that there's a BMS 5-157 Type I substitute that publishes higher peel strength, gives actual flammability numbers instead of just "Pass," and carries a Gulfstream approval OT-157TN doesn't list. That substitute is E&H 743-MT.
E&H Laminating
743-MT Metalized PVF Tape
Shop E&H 743-MT →
Orcon Aerospace
Orcotape OT-157TN
The tape being compared
At a Glance: E&H 743-MT vs. OT-157TN
| Property | E&H 743-MT | Orcotape OT-157TN |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing BMS 5-157 | Type I, Comp MPVF | Types I, III & IV, Comp MPVF |
| Gulfstream GAT100FR1 | ✓ Listed | Not listed |
| Douglas DMS 1984 Type 6, Cl.2 | Not listed | ✓ Listed |
| NASA-KSC Group 1 | Not listed | ✓ Listed |
| FAR 25.853 / 25.856(A) / BSS-7230 | ✓ Pass, with measured values | ✓ Pass |
| Burn length / flame time | 1.9" max / 0 sec, no drips | Not published |
| Peel strength, room temp* | 3.2 lb/in | 2.5 lb/in (minimum) |
| Peel at −65°F / 120°F RH / 160°F | 3.0 / 3.8 / 3.6 lb/in | Not published |
| Weight | 3.0 oz/sq yd max | 3.3 oz/sq yd max |
| Shelf life | 18 months min | 60 months (40–90°F) |
| Availability | See product page for lead time | Widely distributed |
*Orcon lists 2.5 lb/in as a minimum; 743-MT's 3.2 lb/in is its published value. These are published values, not a head-to-head test. Full data on the full comparison page.
What Is OT-157TN?
OT-157TN is Orcon Aerospace's dull gray metalized PVF (Tedlar) insulation blanket tape — one of the most widely distributed Comp MPVF tapes in commercial and military aviation. It meets Boeing BMS 5-157 Types I, III, and IV, carries DMS 1984 Type 6 Class 2 for legacy aircraft, and is widely distributed through aerospace channels. For years it's been the default choice when a procurement officer needs gray metalized PVF tape.
But "widely available" and "best documented" aren't the same thing.
Where E&H 743-MT Pulls Ahead
1. Higher published peel strength — at four temperatures
OT-157TN publishes a room-temperature peel strength minimum of 2.5 lb/in. E&H 743-MT publishes 3.2 lb/in — 28% above that minimum on paper. One is a minimum and the other a published value, so it isn't a strict head-to-head. The bigger difference is coverage: E&H also publishes peel strength at −65°F, 120°F/100% RH, and 160°F. OT-157TN publishes none of those. If your program requires multi-temperature peel data for material qualification, only one of these tapes gives it to you.
2. Quantified flammability — not just "Pass"
OT-157TN's data sheet says it passes FAR 25.853, FAR 25.856(A), and BSS-7230. What it doesn't tell you is the burn length, flame time, or drip behavior. E&H 743-MT gives you the numbers: 1.9 inches maximum burn length, 0-second flame time, no drips. For programs where the DER or quality team wants actual measured values — not just a pass/fail — this matters.
3. Gulfstream GAT100FR1 approval
E&H 743-MT carries Gulfstream GAT100FR1 approval. OT-157TN does not list this approval. If you're fabricating insulation blankets for Gulfstream business jets, E&H 743-MT answers the GAT100FR1 callout directly off the data sheet.
4. Lighter weight
E&H 743-MT weighs 3.0 oz/sq yd maximum. OT-157TN weighs 3.3 oz/sq yd maximum. That 0.3 oz/sq yd difference adds up across a full aircraft's worth of insulation blankets, contributing to weight-reduction goals.
Where OT-157TN Still Wins
To be direct: OT-157TN has real advantages you should weigh. It covers Boeing BMS 5-157 Types I, III, and IV — E&H 743-MT is listed for Type I only. It carries DMS 1984 Type 6 Class 2 for Douglas/Boeing legacy aircraft, and NASA-KSC Group 1 for space applications. Its 60-month shelf life (vs. E&H's 18-month minimum) makes it better suited for long-term MRO stockpiling. And it's widely distributed through aerospace channels.
If you need Type III or IV, DMS 1984, NASA approval, or a long stockpile shelf life, OT-157TN is the right call. But for Gulfstream programs, documentation-heavy qualifications, or anywhere you need the best-documented peel and flammability data, E&H 743-MT is the stronger product.
For BMS 5-157 Type I, They're Direct Substitutes
Both are dull gray metalized PVF tapes meeting Boeing BMS 5-157 Comp MPVF for insulation blanket fabrication and installation. For BMS 5-157 Type I applications, the substitution is spec-for-spec. If your drawing calls for Type III or Type IV, DMS 1984, or NASA-KSC, stay with OT-157TN. Within Type I, the question is which one is better documented for your program — and on published peel, flammability, and Gulfstream data, E&H 743-MT comes out ahead.
Ready to order, or want the full side-by-side?
E&H 743-MT comes in 1" to 4" × 60 yd rolls. Check the product page for current lead time, or request a quote for volume and program pricing. The full comparison page covers every property, every certification, and a selection guide.
Shop E&H 743-MT → Request a Quote → View Full Comparison →Frequently Asked Questions
Can E&H 743-MT replace OT-157TN?
For Boeing BMS 5-157 Type I, Comp MPVF applications, yes — both are dull gray metalized PVF insulation blanket tapes qualified to that spec. If your drawing calls for Type III or IV, DMS 1984, or NASA-KSC, stay with OT-157TN. Substitution on any aircraft program is the operator's or fabricator's engineering decision.
Does 743-MT meet BMS 5-157 Type III or Type IV?
No. E&H 743-MT is listed for BMS 5-157 Type I only. OT-157TN covers Types I, III, and IV.
Is E&H 743-MT Gulfstream approved?
Yes. 743-MT lists Gulfstream GAT100FR1. For non-metalized white PVF, the E&H 743-T lists GAT100FR2.
What is the shelf life and lead time of 743-MT?
Shelf life is 18 months minimum. Current lead time is shown on the product page; contact us for larger quantities.
About E&H Laminating & Slitting Company
E&H Laminating & Slitting Company is a Paterson, NJ manufacturer specializing in aircraft insulation blanket tapes. Their products are used by insulation blanket fabricators and MRO facilities on commercial, business, and military aircraft worldwide. See the full E&H line.
E&H 743-MT specifications from the E&H Laminating technical data sheet. Orcotape OT-157TN specifications from the Orcon Aerospace data sheet. Always verify current approval status against the applicable Boeing BMS, Gulfstream, or OEM specification revision in force at time of purchase.