Evaluation of functional coatings for laminar flow applications on future business jets through ground and flight testing

The application of drag reduction technologies based on laminar flow in a commercial environment is still hindered by unanswered questions regarding its operational reliability. Contamination of leading edges by insects is a concern as excrescences can cause transition of the boundary layer, reducing the potential drag benefit. Another cause of premature transition is surface roughness; poor durability of leading edge coatings and materials is thus another concern. Prolonged exposure to high velocity water impact (flight through rain) can cause erosion of anti-contamination surfaces, leading to a temporary or complete loss of laminar flow. These topics have been studied through a combination of flight and laboratory test campaigns, in part within the European Commission funded AEROMUCO project.