Low-Cost, Electromagnetic Device for Natural-Laminar-Flow Airfoils in General Aviation Applications

Cirrus Design proposes the development of a low cost, electromagnetic-type deice system that is integrable with Natural Laminar Flow (NLF) airfoils, on General Aviation (GA) aircraft. To compete with alternate modes of travel like the interstate highway system and airlines, GA aircraft must provide transportation that is fast, economical, safe, and reliably usable in any weather. The operation of light personal transportation aircraft of the near future will be made economically viable by the application of NASA developed technologies. The NLF airfoil series is an important example of those technologies. With very low drag coefficients at cruise speeds, it makes possible single engine aircraft that provide truly rapid personal transit. Electromagnetic type deicing is another example of a NASA developed technology that will soon be important to the utility of small single engine aircraft. Electromagnetic techniques provide deicing systems that are light weight, relatively low cost, and require relatively low power for actuation. Deicing systems currently available, are either too expensive for small business and personal transportation aircraft, or are not built to maintain natural laminar flow. The development of an NLF compatible, electromagnetic deice system will be a significant step in making GA travel safer and more dependable.