Improved Propeller De-Icing Systems

Presently, the propeller de-ice systems for the U.S. Navy E-2C, C-2, P-3 and C-130 aircraft use slip rings with carbon brushes to transfer power to the rotating propeller blades. The slip ring is mounted on the pump housing directly behind the propeller.The carbon brushes wear, creating carbon particles in the slip ring. Oils and cleaning fluids are inadvertently spilled on the propeller and the wash from the propeller drives these fluids into the slip ring. In summary, the current de-icing systemadversely affects personnel safety, aircraft safety, maintenance costs, and aircraft availability.Diamond Antenna proposes to leverage our proprietary Roll-Ringr technology and create a roller-block Roll-Ringr assembly. This roller-block Roll-Ringr assembly will be a form, fit, and function replacement for the de-ice slip ring. The roller-blockemploys the same rolling electrical interface presently used in Roll-Ringsr. This rolling interface is a non-wearing, metal-to-metal, gas-tight electrical interface that does not generate wear particles. Because there is virtually no wear, the rollinginterface maintains its electrical characteristics over the life of the product. Phase I will provide a feasibility analysis of this concept. As an option, a small-diameter, proof-of-concept brassboard will be built and tested for current handlingcapability. At the completion of Phase II, for Phase III, Diamond is planning a multi-prong approach to market this Roll-Ringr roller-block solution throughout the world. All of the other U.S. military end users who have this problematic de-ice system will be thefirst target. Based on recent reports , the current US military inventory is as follows: USAF/ANG/AF Reserve: 696 aircraft C-130 (various models); USMC/Reserve: 77 aircraft C-130 and the USCG: 26 aircraft C-130. With four (4) engines per, this representsan immediate potential of 3,500+ Roll-Ringsr.Now to review the military rotary aircraft sector. At the present time, there are some 7,050 helicopters of various types in the US military inventory . These helicopters will use two Roll-Ringsr per aircraft - one for the main rotor, one for the tailrotor. This represents a potential of some 15,000 units. It is likely that, because of the differing platforms, additional testing may be necessary on the helicopter Roll-Ringsr.With a total domestic military market share of 20,000+ de-icing Roll-Ringsr, at a $2,000 sell price each, this represents a revenue stream of $40 Million. Taking into account commercial aircraft like for the Cessna 170s, of which there have been over60,000 of the 170, 172, 175, and 182 Models produced or the Piper, which has built a total of 14,125 civil airplanes and 5,703 military J-3 airplanes, some of which may be seeing commercial or foreign military use, the potential revenues increasesignificantly. More specific market detail and potential will be researched during Phase I.