New flexible wing coating reduces weight and cuts costs

Its new generation super-flexible wing coating minimizes application and drying times, cuts wing coating weight by more than half and VOC emissions by 90% compared to conventional wing coatings, says Akzo Nobel Aerospace Coatings (ANAC).

Approved for use by Airbus on all their current models, including the A-380, Aeroflex HS 113F01 is an 'in-spar' coating, used on the upper surface of the fixed part of a wing. During flight, this part of the aircraft is subject to considerable movement, which means a coating must stretch with it to avoid cracking. The more flexible a coating is, the better..

The proprietary resin system in the new coating has been designed to exceed the most stringent industry needs. Not only is it exceptionally flexible, it has enhanced, chemical and scratch resistant properties and increased colour stability. There are also important cost and environmental benefits - particularly as the minimal surface roughness of the new coating contributes to greater fuel efficiency during flight.

Only one comparatively thin layer - 30 to 40 microns- of Aeroflex HS 113F01 is needed to achieve the necessary coverage and this has a 'dry to step' time of just three hours, considerably reducing labour costs. The extremely low density of the paint film, combined with the low layer thickness, can reduce the total weight of a wing coating system by up to 57%.

A high solids polyurethane paint, Aeroflex HS 113F01 gives off less than 420grams of harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) per litre, complying with the Solvent Emissions Directive (SED). Taking into account with the specified layer thickness, this means the amount of solvents emitted into the environment is an extraordinary 90% less than with a conventional wing coating system, claims ANAC.

In-flight experience with the new coating is confirming earlier laboratory tests showing its 'film elongation' properties, both initially and after artificial weathering, are higher than in traditional treatments

"It's better to apply on health, safety and cost grounds and better in the air," commented Product Manager Robert Van Kooperen, "Our Airbus customers are delighted with its performance and so are we."

Akzo Nobel Aerospace Coatings is known throughout the aircraft industry for its innovative technologies. Aeroflex HS 113F01 is one of a stream of new products being launched by the expanding business.