British companies develop new thermal metal coating for Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers
British companies have developed a new thermal metal coating for use on the flight deck of the UK Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) aircraft carriers.
The coating will protect the carriers' flight deck from the heat generated by the thrusters of the new F-35B Lightning II fighter jets.
Developed in partnership with Tyne and Wear-based Monitor Coatings, the protective coating is a combination of aluminium and titanium that can endure heat levels of up to 1,500°C (2,700°F).
"There is incredible momentum behind the programme to prepare HMS Queen Elizabeth for sea trials."The coating is expected to provide a long-term protection through the life of the aircraft carriers and is considered a key part in the preparation of the first carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth for sea trial next year, followed by flight trials in 2018.
So that protects the deck, but I fail to see how anything other than experience of jets on deck can prepare the deck crews for the noise and jet blast....