Advanced Canopy and Window Materials for Improved Helicopter and Aircrew Survivability

There is a need to incorporate the application of advanced transparent coating materials to reduce the exposure of aircrew cockpit and avionics to EMI and laser energy. Eikos proposes the use of new processes, structures, and materials based on low cost coating technology that exploits inherent advantages of carbon nanotube (CNT) transparent conductive coatings to reduce absorb EMI and reflect specific laser energy. Aircraft windows and canopies will be laminated from several plies of CNT coated sheets on polycarbonate so that the CNT provides EMI shielding, as well as ballistics protection. Some of the plies will also contain a mesostructured coating to reject laser light at specific wavelengths. The use of CNT allows this structure to be durable during manufacturing and use due to the unique open structure of the CNT. Furthermore, electrical and optical properties of these layers are tunable to address a wide range of EMI and laser threats. Eikos is partnered with a major air framer and a major canopy manufacturer to assist with the development of application needs and to provide testing.