Abstract: A method of forming an exterior surface protective structure (12) for an aircraft (10) includes providing a surfacer (26) having a carrier on a metal mesh material (24) and an isolator (22) with resin in the surfacer and the isolator filling holes in the metal mesh to form a surface that may be covered with finishes (28), such as spray applied surfacers, primer(s) and a paint to provide a more robust structure that resists corrosion and prevents substrate microcracking, while providing rain erosion resistance, environmental durability, structural performance, and lightning protection in a lighter weight and less costly material.

Abstract: A method of forming an exterior surface protective structure (12) for an aircraft (10) includes uniting a loaded surfacer (52) having a carrier (51) to a hybrid prepreg substrate (32). The prepreg substrate (32) includes a carbon fabric (44) with an integral conductive component (48) having conductivity with in a metal conductivity range and is united to a base substrate (30). The loaded surfacer (52) and the prepreg substrate (32) are cured, which includes interfacially adhering matter between the loaded surfacer (52) and the prepreg substrate (32). A protective fabric system (12) for an exterior (14) of an aircraft (10) includes the base substrate (30). The hybrid prepreg substrate (32) is coupled to the base substrate (30). The loaded surfacer (52) with the carrier (51) is interfacially adhered to the prepreg substrate (32).