AN OVERVIEW OF THE DEICING AND ANTIICING TECHNOLOGIES WITH PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE

This paper reviews selected technologies devoted to anti-icing and de-icing. Among the discussed solutions there are Electro-Impulse System, Electro_Expulsive Separation Systems in a few versions, Weeping Wing Technology based on De-icing Fluid, Shape Memory Alloys Deicing Technology, Ultrasound Technology and Electrical Heating. Some of these technologies are qualitatively compared and their specific features, including power consumption, electromagnetic interference and environmental issues are discussed. Only a few of these anti-icing and de-icing technologies are commercially available to-day. Some of them are still immature and need further extensive investigation and testing in laboratories and inflight. Other are commercially available and are certified on older type of small and medium size aircraft. Most of these technologies are patented. Their full comparison and a selection the most safe and in-flight reliable solution for a chosen class of aircraft would be possible if they are tested in the same laboratory under the same condition. Coming from this assumption an international research project was proposed, which would create objective means for independent assessment of the methods available on the market. Patent descriptions and different companies’ websites are widely referred.