Walheim, StefanStefanWalheimSchimmel, ThomasThomasSchimmelBarczewski, M.M.BarczewskiSpeichermann-Jägel, L.L.Speichermann-JägelDroll, R.R.DrollDullenkopf-Beck, S.S.Dullenkopf-BeckOeffner, JohannesJohannesOeffnerWeisheit, JonathanJonathanWeisheitMinor, J.-C.J.-C.MinorBeltri, M.M.Beltri2022-05-062022-05-062021https://publica.fraunhofer.de/handle/publica/417337Superhydrophobic air-retaining surfaces represent a bioinspired approach to friction reduction in shipping. A ship, which is coated with permanent layer of air will show a reduction in (i) friction, (ii) biofouling, (iii) corrosion and (iv) noise. AIRCOAT aims to develop a passive air lubrication technology for marine applications, using self-adhesive foils instead of paints and is inspired by the Salvinia effect. This paper introduces the biomimetic concept with emphasis on the recently demonstrated AIR Spring Effect, which provides a 100-fold higher stability of the air layer against pressure fluctuations. A first test under marine conditions was successfully performed by coating more than the half hull of a 12-meter research vessel with AIRCOAT foil.enAir Lubricationfriction reductionNon-Toxic AntifoulingbiomimeticsAIRCOAT658338conference paper