ABSTRACT
Naval aircraft regularly operate in hostile environments that include sandy or dusty landing zones and severe sand, rain, or ice storms. Helicopters and other vertical/short takeoff and landing (VTOL/STOL) aircraft such as the V-22 Osprey are expected to endure these severe environments without rapid erosion to the leading edge of their rotor blade. To avoid rapid deterioration of the rotor blade and potential irreparable damage, the leading edge is typically protected with erosion-resistant materials.
