THE CHALLENGE
THE CHALLENGE
Aircraft operate in aggressive environmental conditions.
Exterior painted surfaces are continuously exposed to pollutants, moisture, UV radiation, salt, sand and biological contaminants. Over time, this exposure increases contaminant adhesion, moisture dwell and micro-scale surface roughness.
The consequences include:
• Accelerated paint degradation
• Increased cleaning frequency
• Elevated corrosion drivers
• Increased parasitic drag on contaminated surfaces
Surface condition is therefore not cosmetic.
It is a material science and aerodynamic performance issue.
THE SOLUTION
AGlaze Aviation Sealant™ is the commercial aviation implementation of Surface Energy Reduction Technology (SERT).
The fluoropolymer-based system reduces surface free energy on painted aircraft substrates, altering how the exterior interacts with moisture, pollutants and airborne contaminants.
- Operational effects include:
- Reduced contaminant adhesion
- Lower moisture dwell time
- Extended wash intervals
- Moderation of corrosion drivers
- Preservation of paint system integrity
Independent wind tunnel testing demonstrated a reduction in parasitic drag between treated and untreated surfaces.
Fuel efficiency impact is a downstream aerodynamic consequence of surface energy reduction.
All of the above result in reduced environmental impact and cost
UV inhibitors in the AGlaze Aviation Sealant™ significantly slow the onset of paint fading and extends paint life therefore reducing life-cycle costs.
A reduction in parasitic drag of circa 1.3% reduced fuel burn: no matter how small the saving, the bottom line will improve.
Wind Tunnel Tests
Independent testing was conducted at the Aircraft Research Association (ARA), Bedfordshire, UK, under controlled wind tunnel conditions.
Testing compared treated and untreated painted surfaces and demonstrated a measurable reduction in parasitic drag.
The measured reduction in parasitic drag was approximately 1.3% under the test conditions.
Parasitic drag represents a significant proportion of total aircraft drag in cruise. Fuel efficiency impact is therefore a downstream aerodynamic consequence of surface condition.
Aerodynamic Performance
Reduced parasitic drag (validated under controlled testing)
