Low VOC military aircraft coating

Citation

(2008), "Low VOC military aircraft coating", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 80 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2008.12780dad.021

Low VOC military aircraft coating

Article Type: Materials From: Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, Volume 80, Issue 4

Aerodur 5000 military camouflage topcoat from Akzo Nobel Aerospace Coatings (ANAC) has been successfully trialed on Poland’s PZL-M28 Skytrucks.

The PZL-M28 Skytruck is a twin-engined Polish short take-off and landing aircraft developed from the Russian AN-28 as a light cargo and passenger plane. PZL Mielec, manufacturer of the Skytruck and Poland’s largest post-war aerospace manufacturer, was attracted to the product primarily because of its low VOC content.

The decision to qualify Aerodur 5000 on this popular workhorse was prompted by a recommendation from the Polish Air Force, which has also been impressed by the product’s durability and ease of cleaning. The Polish business has been using ANAC for at least two decades and was immediately keen to try the new state-of-the-art system. PZL Mielec is the first European military aircraft manufacturer to commit to this new generation camouflage paint for its planes.

“The coating significantly cuts potentially harmful solvent emissions and, as a high solids product, contains 27 percent less VOC than alternative coatings,” said Robert Araujo, Environment, Health & Safety Manager for the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, which took over PZL Mielec in March 2007.

In addition to addressing environmental concerns, Aerodur 5000 uses the latest coatings technology to provide extended durability, reduce cycle times and overcome the historic application problems associated with camouflage coatings. This makes Aerodur 5000 the ideal choice for Sikorsky Aircraft’s new subsidiary. “Sikorsky is proud to lead the European military aviation industry in setting new standards for environmental stewardship,” added Jeffrey Pino, President of the Sikorsky Corporation.

One of Aerodur 5000’s most striking improvements over previous generations of camouflage products is said to be its ease of application. Additionally, with the ability to be applied in just one coat for most applications, Aerodur 5000 has excellent “hang-up” (maximum build without running) and “wet-edge” performance: there are no “tiger stripes,” sags, wrinkles or “pin holing.” 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 48 h, four times longer, says ANAC, than competitive products.

Furthermore, Aerodur 5000 claims superior weathering characteristics and is highly resistant to hydraulic fluids and chemicals. Already in use by the US military, it is qualified to the specification MIL-PRF-85285.

According to ANAC, Aerodur 5000 is fast becoming the military camouflage topcoat of choice as more customers discover that it also provides an excellent mar resistant finish, is particularly easy to clean, and has a smooth surface profile that does not attract as much dirt as typical matte finishes. It is quick drying, with a maintenance paint application “fly-away” window reported to be as little as 24 h, and can be supplied globally in any shade with a number of US Federal Standard 595 colours held in stock ready for immediate shipment.

Details available from: ANAC, Tel.: +31 (0) 71 308 2905, Fax: +31 (0) 71 308 2056, web site: www.anac.com