Aircraft Surface Coatings for Drag Reduction/Erosion Protection

Several films and spray-on coating materials were investigated to find a smooth, durable coating that would reduce the drag of commercial transports and that would protect the substrate from erosion and corrosion. Two elastomeric polyurethane spray-on coatings were subjected to flight service evaluations on airline transports. Flight test drag measurements showed that the coatings reduced drag compared to some current surface treatments.