Enhanced Propeller Visibility

Operating aircraft propellers pose a serious safety threat to aircraft carrier personnel, particularly during low visibility/low light conditions. Potentially distracted by high tempo flight operations, maintenance crews and passengers are inadvertentlystruck each year with tragic consequences.In Phase 1 we addressed the problem through the application of an innovative Low Light Level Illumination (LLLI) material onto the propeller blades, creating a highly effective visual warning indicator. Our LLLI application dramatically improves bladevisibility under all lighting conditions.Phase II will refine the product and application through extensive computer and physical testing to maximize visibility, material adhesion, durability, wear resistance and ease of installation while not compromising propeller aerodynamic performance.Following a detailed process of risk mitigation we intend to field a serviceable, logistically supported product for application on the E-2C propeller. This focused developmental research will provide NAWCAD a highly effective LLLI treatment that enhancespropeller visibility, is affordable, maintenance-free, 100% reliable, and ready for rapid transition onto other propeller and rotor-operated aircraft in the Navy inventory. This problem is not unique to the military as there are a number of similar propeller strike accidents in the commercial and general aviation industry.