Lightweight Active Anti-Icing/De-Icing for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA)

ABSTRACT: FBS proposes to develop an ultra light-weight ultrasonic guided wave deicing/anti-icing retrofittable system for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). This system will utilize a focusing/phasing technique to direct and focus energy along specified areas along the leading edge. An anti-icing approach using the actuators will also be explored, never allowing the ice to form would be of value while still being able to deice if conditions warranted. The anti-icing mode of operation would constantly agitate the leading edge with ultrasonic surface waves in such a way to never let ice form. In other areas of deicing interest for RPA such as the engine inlet lip and tail leading edge the same type of actuators can and will be used. FBS is working at the forefront of ultrasonic deicing of rotorcraft and will apply the knowledge and know how that has been learned to RPA aircraft. The concept behind the focusing/phasing and anti-icing is to limit the amount of hardware and ultrasonic actuators needed on the aircraft, therefore limiting weight and power consumption. Using an ice-phobic coating along with the ultrasonic actuators will be explored to even further reduce weight to a goal of 5 lbs or less for the total system. BENEFIT: Both the military and commercial aircraft will benefit from a retrofittable low weight and low power ultrasonic deicing system. Aircraft such as remotely piloted aircraft that have no ice protection system can utilize the cutting edge technology, along with aircraft currently using heavy high power systems. Aircraft and aircraft component manufacturers are constantly searching for technologies that will enhance performance and lower the cost of current systems.