Following publication of the article "Electro-impulse de-icing is selected for Premier I" (Flight International 1-7 May, 1996, P24) Peter Hartman, of Bombardier Regional Aircraft, Ontario, Canada, requested information (Letters, Flight International, 17-23 July, 1996) about developments in the field of electric-impulse de-icing systems (EDIS) being undertaken, he believed, in Russia.
Sir - I have developed and patented a technology which, through electromagnetic impulses, is able to detach substances which have bonded to metal surfaces. This is in widespread use in aviation in Russia - specifically on commercial aircraft where it is used to free the wings of ice.
I am also developing a (small) third-generation impulse de-icing system. The weight of the system is within 2.5 - 6kg. The first-generation systems were installed in the 1960s/70s on an Ilyushin Il-38, the military version of the Il-18.
The second-generation systems were mounted on Ilyushin Il-86s and Il-96s. Operational experience has shown that the system has perfect operating characteristics as well as high reliability of electro-impulse systems. The devices have been in operation on the Il-86 for more than 16 years and have proved to be faultless in operation.
The main difference between the third- and second-generation systems is in the weight, which has been reduced by a factor of ten. The system can also to be installed on light aircraft, as well as those used for "average-distance" flights.
For example, for a light aircraft, with a 10.6m wingspan, the EDIS system weight is about 2.5kg. The weight of coils (executive elements mounted on the skin inside) comes to 2.5kg, including fasteners, while the weight will be 1.2kg.
For an average-sized aeroplane (with a scraping-edge length of 32m) the system weight is about 20kg, including the equipment weight of about 9kg.
At this weight, electric power consumption is within the limits of 50W for a light aeroplane and 400W for an average aircraft.
The system is protected by international patents, and a European firm is looking at manufacturing the third-generation EDIS.
Dr Igor LEvin
President
Impulse, Moscow, Russia
Source: Flight International
