Evaluation of functional coatings to reduce contamination of aircraft leading edges

The use of new surface coatings on aircraft wings and stabilizers appears to be very promising in terms of clean-liness of the surface as well as potential energy savings when employed in combination with the anti-icing system. The actual limitation of these coatings is linked to their durability in aeronautical conditions, i.e. erosion resistance and weatheringEL Encouraging results have appeared recently but progress is still to be done.