Durable, Low Radar Signature Return, Flight Deck Coating System

Surface combatant non-skid improvement has received high level attention over the past decade. Limited durability affecting logistical flexibility was recently ranked among the top five issues addressed by Navy PEO Carriers. Most commercially available non-skids utilize volatile organic compounds to achieve the abrasive texture. Solvents have a negative environmental impact and this is an important concern to DoD. Emerging generations of tactical Navy ships continue to press new requirements on non-skid performance. Until now these coatings have been used principally for slip resistance on flight decks, hangers and walkways, and to provide corrosion resistance. However, they have poor to negligible performance with respect to reduced radar signature. Thus, it is a primary objective of this SBIR topic to develop and demonstrate a high-friction, durable marine coating system that provides a low radar signature return for flight decks. This proposal summarizes work to be performed in the adaptation, testing and evaluation of TRI's Tough Grip nonskid coating for use on low observable Naval surface combatants such as the DDX series. Tough Grip has been demonstrated on the USS Kennedy and Truman flight decks, is patented and approved for use by the Navy.