A little bit of erosion tape goes a long way at protecting the leading edges of airplanes from weather-related damage. You can apply it to the wings, tail assembly, landing gear and more. Once in place, erosion tape will create a barrier between the leading edges of these parts and the surrounding weather-related forces. What is erosion tape exactly, and how does it work?
The Basics of Erosion Tape
Erosion tape is a type of heavy-duty, self-adhesive tape that’s designed to protect surfaces from erosion. It’s commonly used on airplanes.
Whether single aisle or twin aisle, jet engine or propeller driven, all airplanes are exposed to weather-related forces during flight. Over time, prolonged exposure to such forces can damage and degrade the leading edges of an airplane. Rather than allowing these leading edges to succumb to damage, you can protect them with erosion tape. It’s known as “erosion tape” because it protects the surfaces with which it’s used from erosion.
How Erosion Tape Works
Erosion tape works by forming a protective barrier over the leading edges on which it’s applied. Not to be confused with trailing edges, leading edges are surfaces that make contact with the air. The front of an airplane’s wings, for instance, are leading edges. They make direct contact with the air, resulting in wear and tear. Trailing edges, in comparison, don’t make contact with the air.
Because they make contact with the air, leading edges are often susceptible to erosion. Airplanes will fly through air and moisture vapor, resulting in wear and tear to their leading edges. The good news is that erosion tape offers a simple and effective form of protection. You can apply it over the leading edges so that they are better protected against erosion.
Common Features of Erosion Tape
There are different types of erosion tape, but most of them are made of a heavy-duty material. The erosion tape developed by 3M features a polyurethane backing and a strong acrylic-based adhesive. Even when exposed to subfreezing temperatures of high-altitude flights, it will continue to protect the surfaces with which it’s used from erosion.
Erosion tape also offers protection against ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light, of course, is stronger at high altitudes than sea or ground level. The radiation from UV light, in fact, is roughly twice as strong at 30,000 feet. As the sun’s UV light beams down, airplanes may succumb to damage. Certain types of erosion tape, however, are designed to block UV light.
