Thu, Sep 18, 2014
Lord Corporation Technology Offers Lightning Strike Protection
Sikorsky has selected UltraConductive films and coatings developed by Lord Corporation for lightning strike protection for the S-97 Raider program.
The Sikorsky program requires Lord to provide technical support and education on how to use UltraConductive solutions across the Sikorsky platform for direct lightning strike protection, grounding of fasteners, and manufacturability.
At 35 to 55 percent the weight of expanded copper foil solutions, Lord UltraConductive materials offer equivalent lightning protection for composite structures. The highly-conductive epoxy film or coating utilizes non-nano, commercial materials to protect composite aircraft structures from a direct lightning strike. The surfacing film also is used to provide Zone 2A lightning strike protection on aircraft. It can be hand-applied or automated, using conventional tape-layup machines or automotive-grade paint robots.
In 2013, Sikorsky and Lord put UltraConductive film through a range of strike test configurations and secondary properties testing. Now in 2014, Sikorsky suppliers have already begun building first hardware for the Raider, including the propeller and fairing, using Lord UltraConductive film.
“Application of UltraConductive film is as simple as mixing two components and spraying using standard HVLP equipment,” said Bill Gianetti of Swift Engineering, the firm that applies UltraConductive to the top of the upper fairing. “The coating builds evenly and with a pre-cure is ready for composite prepreg application. Following full composite cure, the coating is an integral part of the structure with none of the print-through effects often found with wire mesh.”
An additional OEM has UltraConductive film on aircraft in flight and several more OEMs will fly it before 2015, according to Justin Bryan, Business Development Manager for Lord Corporation.
The S-97 Raider program involves the design of two next-generation helicopter prototypes for evaluation by the U.S. military.
“This is an innovative helicopter and an innovative team,” said Bill Cerami, president, Aerospace & Defense, Lord Corporation. “It is a great honor to now bring our UltraConductive technology to the program.”
(Image from file)
More News
Aero Linx: Florida Antique Biplane Association "Biplanes.....outrageous fun since 1903." That quote really defines what the Florida Antique Biplane Association (FABA) is all about.>[...]
Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) The operation of a UAS beyond the visual capability of the flight crew members (i.e., remote pilot in command [RPIC], the person manipulating th>[...]
Also: ForeFlight Upgrades, Cicare USA, Vittorazi Engines, EarthX We have a number of late-breaking news highlights from the 2024 Innovation Preview... which was PACKED with real ne>[...]
“For Montaer Aircraft it is a very prudent move to incorporate such reliable institution as Ocala Aviation, with the background of decades in training experience and aviation>[...]
Maximum Authorized Altitude A published altitude representing the maximum usable altitude or flight level for an airspace structure or route segment. It is the highest altitude on >[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (04.13.24)
See All