SurfEllent is developing the next generation of anti-icing protection for use on both fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft. This project is focused on developing a new complete rotor protection tape relevant to several different Air Force rotorcraft programs. This tape will provide protection from both erosion and ice buildup. During the course of rotorcraft operation, rotor blades must survive harsh environments, including dusty, rainy, and wintry conditions. Build-up of ice on rotorcrafts prior to or during flight constitutes a significant challenge, which can result in reduced lifting capability, increased drag and even loss of control. The key to ice protection is achieving consistent shedding of ice from the rotor blades as serious issues arise when the ice does not shed in a symmetric fashion. Uneven ice distribution can cause rotor imbalance and subsequent severe vibrations in the fuselage. Furthermore, problems with damage to the fuselage, engines, empennage and aft rotors/tail rotors from shed particles have been identified. The new tape that SurfEllent will develop will not only help to prevent structural damage to rotor blades and protect from erosive effects, but it will also help minimize ice buildup. This is a first-of-its-kind product that builds on SurfEllent's established expertise around aviation ice prevention, addressing known issues across rotorcraft programs. There are some existing rotor protection tapes (e.g., through 3M), but none offer both erosion protection and ice buildup prevention. Through this program, SurfEllent intends to develop prototypes, do some early proof-of-concept testing and validate technical/commercial merit, and identify Air Force customer(s) interested in our rotor protection system. This will be done in collaboration with the University of Houston and Boeing Corporation.
