ARK - The Acrylic Restoration Kit

Scratches and pits in acrylic canopies and windscreens degrade optical clarity and aircraft readiness by introducing visual distortion and structural vulnerability in critical transparencies. Current repair methods are limited to minor abrasions, while deeper or wider defects typically require complete transparency replacement, leading to costly aircraft downtime. Lynntech proposes a novel in situ repair process enabling on-aircraft restoration of damaged acrylic transparencies at the depot or intermediate maintenance level. The approach focuses on identifying and evaluating resin systems that can be applied directly to damaged acrylic to restore optical clarity and mechanical performance without requiring full component removal. Phase I will screen resins for compatibility with MIL-PRF-25690 optical standards, including optical transmittance, haze, and refractive index matching. Repair performance will be evaluated using controlled scratch samples tested for optical distortion. Additional tasks will develop surface cleaning procedures, optimize resin application and finishing protocols, and characterize optical and mechanical outcomes. The effort includes prototype repair kit assembly and a transition plan aligned with PMA 261/265 sustainment objectives.Ý