Citation
(2007), "New military aircraft camouflage coating", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 54 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2007.12854dad.007
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
New military aircraft camouflage coating
New military aircraft camouflage coating
A new high-performance military aircraft camouflage coating, providing extremely user-friendly application advantages, has been launched by ANAC.
After years of research and development, Aerodurw 5000 provides a new generation coating solution for application to new build (original equipment manufacturer (OEM)) aircraft, for use in routine maintenance, or for quick in-field repairs to a camouflage finish. The new two-component polyurethane topcoat, hailed by ANAC as “extremely forgiving,” combines the best performance characteristics of the latest coating technology, while eliminating the historic application problems of camouflage topcoats.
Launched after extensive laboratory development and in-service evaluations, Aerodurw 5000 flight test data demonstrates that the coating does not change in color, fade or chalk, and is now qualified to the specification MILPRF-85285 and is currently in the qualification stages for specification Airbus AIMS 04.04.036.
While exceeding MIL spec requirements, Aerodurw 5000 provides excellent flexibility, and durability in the toughest environments, and is highly resistant to hydraulic fluids and chemicals. The topcoat has superior weathering characteristics, a mar resistant appearance, whose gloss does not vary with coating thickness. It is easy to clean, and has a smooth surface profile that does not attract as much dirt as typical matte finishes. The product is quick drying; allowing for a maintenance paint application “fly-away” window of as little as 24h (see technical data sheet on www.anac.com for full details). One of Aerodurw 5000's most striking improvements on previous generations of camouflage products is its ease of application, prompting those testing the new topcoat to describe it as a camouflage coating that “camouflages” application errors. Paint applicators can successfully and confidently apply the camouflage finish, across a variety of hangar environments without compromising the result, while reducing rework costs (Figure 3).
Figure
3 Camouflage paint in situ
The product has excellent “hang-up” (maximum build without running) and “wet-edge” performance: there are no “tiger stripes,” sags, wrinkles or “pinning” (solvent popping). The coating's ability to blend for camouflage and touch-up means that repairs can look as good as the original finish. The stenciling window is a forgiving 48h four times longer than competitive products.
“There's no other camouflage coating like it on the market for all-around performance and ease of use,” commented John Griffin, General Manager of ANAC's Americas operation. “We developed it after exhaustively testing a vast number of raw materials and ingredient combinations. We now have three to four years of flight performance data as well as laboratory data to support our position for establishing a new level of performance for camouflage coatings.”
ANAC is part of the world's largest coatings business and has been the market leader in developing new aviation coating technologies for nearly 80 years. Its considerable development, color matching, and production resources means the company is able to quickly supply Aerodurw 5000 in any shade required, though standard colors are held in stock ready for immediate shipment.
More information is available from: Marina Turion – Kahlmann, e-mail: marina.turion@anac.com, Tel.:+31 (0) 71 308 2905; Fax: +31 (0) 71 308 2056
US contact: Laura Menze, e-mail: laura.menze@anac.com, Tel.:+1 847 625 3351; Fax: +1 847 625 3332, or visit www.anac.com