Ultra Low Areal Density HybridSil Erosion Protective Icephobic Nanocomposites for UAS

The overall objective of this SBIR program is to develop novel, lightweight, hybrid nanocomposites that combine high levels of anti-icing functionality and erosion resistance to provide exceptional passive anti-icing protection to support the U.S. Army Roadmap for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). NanoSonic will build on its demonstrated Phase I HybridSil erosion protective, anti-icing nanocomposites to realize thin, lightweight, spray applied coatings with appropriate functionality and performance for multiple UAS platforms. NanoSonic will work with the Army and with Phase II partners to identify platform applications for near-term technology insertion. NanoSonic will continue working with a leading manufacturer of ice protection systems for a broad range of military and commercial aircraft, to fully define the effectiveness of HybridSil coatings as a stand-alone passive anti-icing solution. By completion of Phase II, the goal is to establish a passive ice protection system coating with a TRL of at least 7 that is lightweight enough for application to the large fleet of RQ-11B Raven Group 1 UAS, yet will address the mission requirements of Group 2-5 Army UAS platforms with all-weather mission reliability and performance. This will help the Army meet its technology goals of increased autonomy, enhanced all-weather mission operation, and reduced maintenance.