UTC Aerospace Systems will supply the deicing system on Textron Aviation's in-development Cessna SkyCourier, an aircraft Textron says will first fly in 2019.
The aircraft will have UTC's Goodrich-branded, pneumatic-inflated rubber deicing boots on critical flight surfaces like wings and tail, says UTC vice-president of business development Mark Skarohlid.
Textron is developing the twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC-powered SkyCourier as a freighter and passenger aircraft.
FedEx has already ordered up to 100 of the aircraft, which Textron expects will receive certification in 2020.
The deicing system will use inflatable rubber boots made of UTC's "Estane" surface material, which the company says provides improved protection against cold-induced cracking and degradation caused by aircraft fluids, ultraviolet light and ozone.
The system will come with a pressure-sensitive adhesive that allows operators to fly the aircraft within 2h of installation, says UTC, noting that other adhesives can require 48h dry time.
The system will also have sensors that notify pilots of icing conditions, Skarohlid says.
The boots can last up to 15 years before requiring replacement, though the useful life depends on aircraft type and mission, the company says.
UTC's deicing systems are certified on some 200 aircraft types, including general aviation aircraft and regional jets.
UTC's electro-thermal deicing systems could also be used on supersonic aircraft and aircraft powered by electric or hybrid-electric engines, Skarohlid says.
FlightGlobal updated this story on 19 October to reflect new UTC-provided information that differs from earlier information given by the company. UTC now says it does not make deicing systems for SkyCourier's propeller blades, nor do its icing sensors detect ice by accreting ice. Also, the deicing boots last up to 15 years. UTC previously said the system can be replaced in 4h, but now says replacement times widely vary. The company clarifies SkyCourier can be flown 2h after installation of the deicing system.
Source: Flight Daily News
