Accession Number:

AD0744453

Title:

Improving U. S. Army Aircraft Propeller and Tail Rotor Blade Conspicuity with Paint

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

ARMY AEROMEDICAL RESEARCH LAB FORT RUCKER AL

Personal Author(s):

• Crosley, John K.
• Tabak, Ronald G.
• Braun, Erwin G.
• Bailey, Robert W.

Report Date:

1972-05-01

Pagination or Media Count:

25.0

Abstract:

Rotating propellers and tail rotors represent a potential hazard for personnel while aircraft are on the ground. This study was conducted to ascertain if rotating blades could be visually detected more easily by the judicious application of paint. A total of twenty-two observers rated nine different paint schemes for effectiveness. The results showed that 1 the two schemes presently being used on Army aircraft rated the poorest of all those investigated, and 2 the most conspicuous scheme was one which had from the tip toward the hub a four inch section painted red-orange fluorescent, with the remaining surface divided into thirds and painted alternately flat black and gloss white. The black and white sections of the other half of the blade were reversed to provide a nonconcentric pattern.

Descriptors:

• *ROTOR BLADES(ROTARY WINGS)
• *PAINTS
• *AERIAL PROPELLERS
• ARMY PERSONNEL
• AVIATION SAFETY
• VISUAL ACUITY
• VISIBILITY
• HELICOPTER ROTORS

Subject Categories:

• Coatings, Colorants and Finishes

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE