The newest commissioned art project on display in downtown New York City is named Untitled (drone) and was created by renowned artist Sam Durant. It is a 48-foot long abstract sculpture that is a kinetic mass of hot-dip galvanized carbon steel, wrapped in a white fiberglass overlay, in the shape and spirit of a U.S. Military Predator Drone sans the actual remote-controlled cameras, weapon modules or landing gear. The Modernist replica hovers 25 feet high on an anchored vertical post overlooking the bustling and magnificent High Line Public Park and Greenway. It will rotate different speeds and directions depending on the current wind conditions and it is meant to be a constant reminder to the viewing public about America’s implementation and use of military drones worldwide, which has expanded greatly over the past several decades.

The design and fabrication of this creation was a complex process for the fabricator involving many custom parts and connections. The drone’s entire sub-structure was created using various hot-dip galvanized fabricated assemblies made out of pipe, tube steel, angle, plate saddles and small parts. Hot dip galvanizing the steel was crucial because the fiberglass overlay has numerous cut-outs throughout its shell to properly allow for the expansion and contraction of air pressure. But this will also enviably allow rain and moisture to reach the drone’s internal steel substructure, which would lead to excessive corrosion if not for the zinc’s natural cathodic protection. The material was run on a dedicated rack to ensure proper drain and runoff for a quality finish. In addition, the material was expedited through the shop to make sure that guaranteed commitment deadlines were met before being inspected, assembled and shipped to its final commissioned public display site.

The hot-dip galvanizing industry’s reputation proceeds itself as the world’s most economical and viable form of corrosion protection. We are proud as hot-dip galvanizers in our contribution to this artistic project which will be on display (from May 2021 until August 2022) at the High Line at 30th St in Manhattan, New York City, New York.