Enhanced Propeller Visibility

"High tempo 24 hour day and night flight operations on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier create a hazardous environment that taxes even the best safety procedures and programs. As the only propeller driven aircraft deployed on carriers, the E-2C and C-2A presenta unique problem. Their rotating propellers create a serious threat to the safety of maintenance and flight crews working in close proximity to the aircraft, particularly in low light/low visibility conditions. Understanding the nature of the problem,this proposal addresses a visual warning system that will incorporate a Low Light Level Illumination appliqu¿ on the propeller. The appliqu¿ will combine the attributes of two materials: a powerful and revolutionary photoluminescent compound andretro-reflective sheeting. In so doing, we will maximize visual awareness in both low light and no light situations. Contingent upon successful shipboard evaluation, it is reasonable to assume that the solution developed in the proposed effort for theE-2C and C-2A application could readily transferred to other propeller aircraft in the Navy and commercial inventory including: the helicopter fleet, the P-3 land-based aircraft and the V-22 tilt-rotor. Operations involving those aircraft are alsoconducted in all types of lighting conditions during high tempo operations either onboard ship or at land-based sites presenting similar safety concerns to the support crews.The commercial opportunities f