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Coating Improves Pilots’ Visibility in Rainstorms

HydroSkip is applied to the canopy of an F-16 fighter jet to repel water. (Air National Guard photo/Master Sgt. Roberta A. Thompson)

An Air Force Research Laboratory-developed product called HydroSkip repels water from aircraft transparencies, addressing the issue of limited visibility caused by heavy rain that can impair the pilot’s ability to navigate the plane and land safely.

The product, which has a consistency similar to Windex, applies to the canopy like car wax. Afterward, it turns white and wipes clean after ten minutes. Aircraft maintenance crews can apply HydroSkip once a month, essentially following the same process used for common polish.

Source 

Topics:
Aerospace Coating/Surface Modification Materials

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