NASA doesn't want bugs sticking to our wings

[Eric Greenwell[_4_]]

http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All-News/2013/November/27/nasa-hunts-bugs.aspx?WT.mc_sect=tec&WT.mc_id=131128epilot

And the Germans are working on this, too.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to
email me)

[[email protected]]

The Wx/Block formula, that glider pilots have using for years, is based on a Teflon-like polymer and has been noted to be effective in this regard. We've run tests with several coats on one leading edge and none on the other wing and there is a noticeable difference in the number of bug "sticks".

First commercial aircraft guys realized our winglets were a good idea... next thing they'll take credit for inventing bug wipers ;-)

Bob

[Craig R.]

Dick Brandt used liquid Teflon on his Nimbus 3 in the 80's/90's. Ray Gimmey did a great job driving it. ;-)

[Dan Marotta]

Does that stuff have any detrimental effect on repairs?


> wrote in message
...
The Wx/Block formula, that glider pilots have using for years, is based on a
Teflon-like polymer and has been noted to be effective in this regard. We've
run tests with several coats on one leading edge and none on the other wing
and there is a noticeable difference in the number of bug "sticks".

First commercial aircraft guys realized our winglets were a good idea...
next thing they'll take credit for inventing bug wipers ;-)

Bob

[bumper[_4_]]

On Saturday, November 30, 2013 8:27:23 AM UTC-8, Dan Marotta wrote:
> Does that stuff have any detrimental effect on repairs?


When Larry Mansberger was at Minden, I asked him about using wax products w/ silicone and other long chain polymers. He said it was SOP to use solvent to clean surfaces before repair and he hadn't seen any issues.

Good enough for me . . . have been using Nu-Finish (rated well by Consumer Reports) on my aircraft for years.

That said, the MKIV "high tech" yaw string is silicone free and made from 100% unnatural ingredients. Even though bugs striking the clear turbulator base may be severely injured, post impact sticking has not been observed.

bumper