Military aircraft camouflage coating

Military aircraft camouflage coating

Military aircraft camouflage coating

A new high performance military aircraft camouflage coating, claiming extremely user friendly application advantages, has been launched by Akzo Nobel Aerospace Coatings (ANAC).

After years of research and development, Aerodur 5000 is said to provide a new generation coating solution for application to new build (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, Aerodur 5000 flight test data reportedly demonstrates that the coating does not change in colour, fade or chalk, and is now qualified to the specification MIL- PRF-85285 and is currently in the qualification stages for specification Airbus AIMS 04.04.036.

While exceeding MIL spec requirements, Aerodur 5000 claims excellent flexibility, and durability in the toughest environments, and is highly resistant to hydraulic fluids and chemicals. The topcoat is reported to have superior weathering characteristics, a mar resistant appearance, whose gloss does not vary with coating thickness. It is said to be 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 Aerodur 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.

The product claims 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.

Details available from: Akzo Nobel Aerospace Coating, Tel: +31 (0) 71 308 2905, Fax: +31 (0) 71 308 2056, web site: www.anac.com; USA: Tel: +1 847 625 3351, Fax: +1 847 625 3332