US Patent 10035578 Multifunctional erosion protection strip

An airfoil article including a composite skin having a first surface and a second surface opposite first surface, forming a leading edge. The leading edge is during use subjected to an airflow meeting the leading edge at stagnation points. The leading edge includes an elongated member. The outer surface of the elongated member is arranged flush with the first surface of the composite skin such that an essentially smooth aerodynamic surface of the leading edge is formed. The elongated member is adapted to serve as an erosion protection of the leading edge and to function as an electrode of a plasma generating system.