Development of High-Temperature Aircraft Camouflage Coatings

New thermally and visually stable camouflage coatings are needed for the C-17 and other aircraft programs. Over 75% of the hazardous wastes generated by the Air Force are directly related to the painting/depainting process. TRI/Austin proposes the development of unique preceramic coatings that will exceed the thermal stability requirements in the engine vicinity, providing camouflage for C-17, and other new aircraft. To accomplish this TRI/Austin will use a lucid experimental design approach to optimize the thermally stable camouflage coating compositions. We will characterize the performance on selected MIL-PRF-85285C and supplementary testing. These preceramic camouflage coating formulations will incorporate new resin materials and custom camouflage pigments. Only recently have these new preceramic resins become commercially available. Phase II will focus on further optimization of the new preceramic camouflage coating and product scale up, thorough field application studies, and laboratory testing. This will lead to early commercialization and military deployment during Phase III. These new high solids camouflage coatings will result in significant initial savings and life cycle supportability costs. Increased savings will be realized due to reduced waste, decreased production time, decreased labor expenses, and lower maintenance costs. Considerable savings can be also realized on other military and civilian aircraft.