Newly applied DSX leading edge coating to an OH-58 main rotor blade.
DSX Protection Coating
Maximize Blade Performance: Unbeatable Protection for Long-lasting Durability
DSX (Dragon Skin Xtreme) is the ultimate rotor blade leading edge erosion/corrosion protective coating. With a decade of rigorous testing and development, DSX obtained FAA approval in 2012, setting a new standard in rotor blade protection. This proven solution has demonstrated exceptional durability, accumulating over 3000 operating hours across various rotor blades without any significant issues.
DSX has earned its reputation as the go-to choice for erosion protection in the most demanding environments encountered by agricultural, fire, humanitarian, medical, and military operations. Its resilience in sand, rain, saltwater atmosphere, and hydrolysis environments makes it the top choice for rotor blade protection.
With FAA approval for a wide range of helicopter models, DSX is the trusted choice for operators seeking reliable and long-lasting erosion protection. Don’t settle for inferior coatings; choose DSX for unparalleled performance and peace of mind.
Proven Performance
New Blade with Coating
Old Blade with Coating
DSX leading edge coating applied to an OH-58 main rotor blade that had flown for more than 3000-hours in aerial application.
Old Blade without Coating
Bell 206 B model main rotor blade, after 1000 hours of aerial application, shows significant erosion and corrosion, indicating it will not meet its life expectancy.
Key Highlights
Some highlight how DSX has proven to be far superior to other rotor blade erosion coatings like Task L-100, Hontek, and blade tapes like 3M, Bell, Airbus, and MD Helicopters.
- Peace of Mind
DSX offers the owners/operators peace of mind that the most important part of the blade (the spar) is safe and protected. - Proven Track Record
With a proven track record of over 10 years, DSX has safeguarded rotor blades across various sectors, including agriculture, military, firefighting, and government agencies. - Fuel Savings
DSX becomes better with time. DSX will wear very evenly, this will ensure that the airfoil is always kept perfect. By maintaining the perfect airfoil, DSX offers the potential for long-term fuel savings. - Reliable and Robust
Unlike other coatings and tapes, DSX will not fly off during operation or degrade in extreme heat, ensuring unparalleled reliability. - Outperforms Others
DSX has demonstrated exceptional resilience against foreign object debris (FOD) and ultraviolet rays (UV), outperforming other polyurethane tapes and coatings. - Durability
With a lifespan exceeding 3000 operating hours, DSX far surpasses the average longevity of blade tapes, promising longevity that aligns with the rotor blade’s entire lifespan. - Increase Savings
By extending operational time between routine maintenance, DSX minimizes aircraft downtime and reduces stress on the engine, providing substantial operational advantages.
Platforms
Helicopter models that are DSX eligible includes:
- Bell 206A & B
- Bell 206L
- Bell OH-58
- Bell 407
- Bell 412
- Bell AH-1
- Bell UH-1H, UH-1F, UH-1P
- TH-1F and SW205
- Airbus/Eurocopter BO 105
- Airbus/Eurocopter 350 & 355
- MD Helicopter 369, 500
- Military use rotorcraft
- Public use rotorcraft
FAQ
Where and how do I purchase DSX for my main rotor blades?
DSX may be purchased directly by calling (860)729-5588 or completing the contact form below.
Is my helicopter eligible to have DSX applied to my rotor blades?
The following helicopter models are eligible to have DSX applied to their main rotor blades:
| Bell 47 | Bell UH-1H | Hiller UH-12 |
| Bell 206A & B | Bell UH-1F | MD Helicopter 369, 500 |
| Bell 206L | Bell UH-1P | Schweizer 269, 300 |
| Bell OH-58 | Bell TH-1F | Boeing Apache AH-64 |
| Bell 407 | Bell SW205 | Boeing Chinook CH-47 |
| Bell 412 | Airbus/Eurocopter BO 105 | Sikorsky Blackhawk UH-60 |
| Bell AH-1 | Airbus/Eurocopter 350 & 355 | Airbus Gazelle 341 |
And many other types of military and public use rotorcraft.
Does my rotor blade qualify to have DSX applied to it?
We look for well-maintained or new main rotor blades with at least 40% of the life limit remaining to enter into the DSX program. Each situation and rotor blade is different, so give us a call, and we can help you decide if DSX would be good for you.
What is necessary to prepare my rotor blade for DSX application?
There are no necessary steps you have to take, your main rotor blade will go through an extensive inspection process and if any repairs are needed, they will be completed before the application of DSX. DSX is generally applied to the rotor blade before it is refinished. Once the inspection process is carried out, and any repairs are made, then the DSX is applied, and the rotor blade is refinished.
Will this change how my helicopter operates?
No, this will not change how your helicopter operates. You will still follow all OEM requirements and recommendations, although clients have reported experiencing smoother flights.
Is there instruction for continued airworthiness?
No, there are not any instructions for continued airworthiness. Please follow OEM requirements and recommendations.
Can I put DSX on one blade?
No, DSX must be applied to a set of main rotor blades, and they must be operated together. During the DSX process we go to great lengths to ensure the blades in the set match very well.
Will DSX change the weight & balance of my rotor blade?
No, the main rotor blades will be balanced to OEM standards.
Can I put DSX on my tail rotor blade?
No, DSX is not approved for tail rotor blade application. Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing is currently working towards approval for tail rotor blades.
What is the life expectancy of DSX?
DSX has been operated for more than 3000 hours without any issues or concerns.
How long will it take for my rotor blades to have DSX applied?
A small (MD 500) to medium (Bell 206) size blade will take on average of 3 weeks to complete and the large blades (UH-60) will take on average of 5 weeks to complete. This will vary depending on our current workload.
Is DSX FAA approved?
Yes, DSX was FAA approved in 2012 and has been successfully flying since.
Has DSX been tested?
Yes, DSX underwent rigorous bench and flight testing over an 8-year period during the process of FAA approval.
Does DSX change the life limit of the rotor blade?
No, DSX will not change the life limit of your main rotor blade, please follow OEM requirements and recommendations, however, DSX once applied generally lasts the lifetime of the rotor blade.
Will DSX have to be reapplied with every overhaul?
No, DSX may be inspected during the overhaul but will not have to be reapplied.
Can I repaint my blades without removing the DSX?
Yes, you can have your main rotor blades refinished without removing the DSX. It is recommended that you send your main rotor blades to Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing for refinishing.
Other than due to physical damage (blade strike) has DSX had a failure?
No, DSX has not had any type of failures during operation. The rotor blades in our DSX program come back for routine maintenance, inspection, and refinish, however, the DSX shows no damage.
Does the application of DSX cause my rotor blade to retain water in the spar?
No, the DSX will not cause water to be retained inside the blade. The blades that have drain holes in them, the drain holes will remain unobstructed.
Will my blade corrode under the DSX?
No, the main rotor blade will go through an intense preservation process before DSX is applied. The DSX application is an erosion prevention, that also stops the corrosion of the leading edge at the same time it eliminates the erosion of the leading edge.
