(pressebox) Köln, 26.05.2009, Once every four years an F-16 from the Dutch Air Force is selected to give a solo display at air shows around the world and made-over with a unique and striking new livery to add to the impact.
Not only does the design need to reflect national pride and catch the eye, but the livery needs to be as fresh at the end of its four-year life as it was at the beginning. To make sure, the Dutch Air Force turned to AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings for their durable products and for their ability to create colors and special effects that bring challenging designs to life.
The latest design is a two-color version of the Dutch national symbol, an orange lion. Working with the designer and coatings contractor, Stork Fokker Services of Hoogerheide, Netherlands, AkzoNobel recommended Alumigrip® coatings developed for the general aviation sector to obtain the high reflective special effect that gives the orange lion it’s unique image. Alumigrip coatings were also used for the previous show model ‘The Sonic Boom’ , and proved their outstanding performance on both durability and visual excitement.
The system selected was a combination of MIL specified black topcoat and Alumigrip® 4250 for the two shades of orange, with a clear overcoat of Alumigrip® 4300, products typically used by the general aviation sector.
"Special designs like this are always challenging to execute however the vast experience of our team not only extends the boundaries of what is possible, but also delivers incredible results that even surprise the designers when they see the finished aircraft," commented Robert Rijnsburger, International Technical Sales Manager for AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings.
The aircraft can be seen at displays across Europe, Scandinavia and the US during 2009 including the Rome Air show in May. More information on the Dutch display team is available on http://www.f16demoteam.nl/.Über Akzo Nobel GmbH
AkzoNobel is proud to be one of the world’s leading industrial companies. Based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we make and supply a wide range of paints, coatings and specialty chemicals – pro forma 2007 revenue totaled ?14.4 billion. In fact, we are the largest global paints and coatings company. As a major producer of specialty chemicals we supply industries worldwide with quality ingredients for life’s essentials. We think about the future, but act in the present. We’re passionate about introducing new ideas and developing sustainable answers for our customers. That’s why our 60,000 employees – who are based in more than 80 countries – are committed to excellence and delivering Tomorrow’s Answers Today(TM) .
About AzkoNobel Aerospace Coatings
At AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings we strive to develop, manufacture and supply high-quality coating solutions to serve the current and future needs of the aviation industry worldwide. We are always finding ways to improve our products and provide new practical answers to customer’s needs including reduced process times, technical support, enhanced protection to aircraft, and unique colors with brilliance. We think about the future, but act in the present. We’re passionate about developing sustainable answers for our customers.
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