Experience with elastomeric polyurethane rain erosion resistant radome and antenna cover coatings on fighter, transport and bomber aircraft is described. These coatings were developed in 1967-70 to replace the neoprene radome coatings which had been in use since the early 1950's. They have since become the state-of-the-art and have been applied to the entire Air Force fleet. Attempts to predict the life of improved radome coatings based upon rotating arm rain erosiontests, accelerated weathering and Florida exposure tests are described. The essential role of flight test of these advanced coatings prior to their adoption on a fleet-widebasis is demonstared. The adaption of experience gained in the development of the polyurethane coatings has been accomplished for the high temperature fluorocarbon elastomeric coatings now under development. These coatings represent the next generation of radome protection where long times at elevated temperatures (up to 500 F) or thermonuclear flash resistance are required. Flight test experiences with these advanced coatings are also described.
In-service performance of polyurethane and fluorocarbon rain erosion resistant radome coatings
Verhalten von Polyurethan- und Fluorkohlenwasserstoff-Ueberzuegen fuer Radarkuppeln mit Aufprallkorrosionsbestaendigkeit
1977
13 Seiten, 7 Bilder, 1 Tabelle, 4 Quellen
Conference paper
English
COATING MATERIAL, FLUOROCARBON, ELASTOMERIC Rain-Erosion Resistant, Black
SAE Technical Papers | 1990
COATING MATERIAL, FLUOROCARBON, ELASTOMERIC Rain-Erosion Resistant, Colored
SAE Technical Papers | 1990
COATING MATERIAL, FLUOROCARBON (FKM), ELASTOMERIC Rain-Erosion Resistant, Black
SAE Technical Papers | 1990
COATING MATERIAL, FLUOROCARBON (FKM) ELASTOMERIC Rain-Erosion Resistant, Gray
SAE Technical Papers | 1990