NASA has awarded Cessna Aircraft Co. a $1.9 million development contract for its self-healing “magic skin” for future aircraft. The idea is to pad the entire airliner with energy-absorbing foam, then slide the skin along the plane’s body. Once on, the snug-fit casing would protect the vehicle from impact damage, lightning strikes, electromagnetic interference and temperature extremes. The film, named STAR-C2 (Smoothing, Thermal, Absorbing, Reflective, Conductive, Cosmetic), also would provide obvious evidence of damage once the plane lands. If the outer protection has been compromised, engineers can inspect the primary plane structure for damages.Learn more from Wired.
'Magic Skin' Could Make Aircraft EMI- and Lightning-Proof
