A fully automated on-wing icing detection system has moved a step closer with the completion of a testing and evaluation programme of the new technology developed by a consortium of European firms.
Flight trials for the "On-Wings" project were conducted in icing conditions in February 2013 in Poland using a helicopter produced by local AgustaWestland subsidiary PZL Zwidnik.
GKN Aerospace (chalet B73; hall 2B, stand F169) co-ordinated the nine-member, EU-funded team, which has developed a new optical ice-detection sensor and coupled this with technology to analyse the data produced in order to precisely monitor ice accumulations. This, in turn, directly controls an electro-thermal ice protection system.
The sensor can be flush-fitted to any aerofoil, whether a wing, rotor blade or engine nacelle, whereas most current systems are located away from icing services, says GKN.
Its new sensor head uses optical fibres to emit light into any ice and collect and measure the light returned. And the data analysis is so accurate that it can even determine the precise type, severity, thickness and location of any ice as it develops.
Rich Oldfield, technical director at GKN Aerospace, says: "The On-Wings project results have huge potential across aviation. Improving the efficiency of ice protection will have positive consequences for operators of all types of aircraft."
Consortium members include GKN Aerospace, the University of Ioannina, the University of Athens, AOS Technology, Sensor Highway, TWT, ESW, Airbus and AgustaWestland.
Source: Flight Daily News
