Foralkyl 2211 ensures visibility

Citation

(1998), "Foralkyl 2211 ensures visibility", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 70 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1998.12770fad.024

Foralkyl 2211 ensures visibility

Foralkyl 2211 ensures visibility

Keywords Aircraft, Elf Altochem, Rainfall, Visibility, Windshields

Take-off and landing are critical phases in rainy weather. Visibility is affected by water adhering to the aircraft's windscreen and forming an opaque film and, in heavy rain, windscreen wipers are not entirely effective in repelling the rain. A most efficient solution to the problem has been devised to optimise safety, whereby the windscreen is sprayed with a water-repellent product called Foralkyl 2211.

This fluorine derivative compound alters the surface of the glass to prevent adhesion by the rain by changing it immediately into small droplets of water which roll down the glass without impairing visibility.

With its low viscosity and very low surface tension, Foralkyl 2211 guarantees an excellent spreading performance. The product stored in pressurised bottles can be sprayed onto windscreens from an external nozzle at the touch of a switch in the cockpit.

The concept of treating aircraft windscreens by spraying Foralkyl 2211 offers an alternative to the traditional solution whereby the rain-repelling action comes from a lasting treatment of the glass itself. Benefits of the spray method include unfailing optimum efficiency whenever it is needed, unlike the glass treatment which is prone to erosion, as well as simpler maintenance as the periodic renewal of the glass treatment requires the removal of the windscreen.

The Foralky 2211 rain-repellent system was developed in partnership, and has been patented jointly by Elf Atochem, the fluorinated compound producer, and Aerospatiale. A third partner, the aircraft equipment manufacturer Le Bozec Filtration et Systèmes, is in charge of marketing. Its application, currently confined to the aeronautics sector, can be extended to other areas such as motor car racing and rail transport.

Further information is available from Elf Atochem SA. Tel: +33 1 49 00 80/70 20/71 48/83 72; Fax: +33 1 49 00 80 50.