47 ATPL Training Airframes & Systems #47 Ice & Rain Protection Fluid Protection

Summary

This video discusses the fluid-type airframe ice protection system used on the Hawker 800 aircraft, explaining how it works to prevent ice buildup and maintain aerodynamic performance in cold conditions. The system uses a glycol-based fluid to form a protective film over the aircraft's surfaces, preventing ice from forming and melting existing ice. Key components include a storage tank, pump, pipes, and distribution panels along the leading edges of the wings. The video also highlights the system’s limitations, primarily its reliance on the fluid supply and the weight penalty of carrying sufficient fluid for the flight.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fluid type airframe ice protection systems are used on the Hawker 800 aircraft.
• 😀 The weeping wing system forms a film of glycol-based fluid over the surfaces to be protected.
• 😀 The glycol-based fluid helps melt ice and prevents adhesion of ice crystals.
• 😀 The system can operate in both de-icing and anti-icing modes.
• 😀 A typical fluid system contains a storage tank, pump, and a network of pipes to distribute the fluid.
• 😀 Distribution panels are located along the leading edges of the surfaces to be protected.
• 😀 The distribution panels have porous outer panels that allow the fluid to seep through.
• 😀 The fluid is distributed over the aerofoil surface by airflow after it seeps out of the porous panels.
• 😀 A key limitation of the system is the amount of fluid in the storage tank.
• 😀 Carrying a larger amount of fluid increases the weight penalty for the aircraft.

Q & A

What is the primary function of the fluid-type airframe ice protection system on the Hawker 800 aircraft?

The primary function of the fluid-type airframe ice protection system is to prevent ice formation on the aircraft's surfaces, as well as to de-ice surfaces by melting ice that has already formed.

How does the fluid-type or 'weeping wing' system prevent ice from forming on the aircraft's surfaces?

The system works by forming a film of glycol-based freezing-point depressant fluid over the surfaces. This fluid prevents the adhesion of ice crystals and helps to melt any ice that may already be present.

What are the two modes of operation for the fluid-type airframe ice protection system?

The two modes of operation are de-icing, which melts already-formed ice, and anti-icing, which prevents the formation of ice.

What components are typically included in the fluid-type airframe ice protection system?

The system typically includes a storage tank, a pump, a network of pipes, and distribution panels that release the fluid to the aircraft's surfaces.

How does the fluid get distributed across the aircraft's protected surfaces?

The fluid is pumped into distribution panels fitted along the leading edges of the wings. The fluid seeps through porous panels and is then spread across the surface by the airflow.

What role do the porous outer panels play in the system's operation?

The porous outer panels allow the glycol-based fluid to seep out and cover the surface of the aircraft. This helps to distribute the fluid evenly across the leading edges, where ice protection is needed.

What is a major drawback of the fluid-type airframe ice protection system?

A major drawback is that the system is limited by the amount of fluid in the storage tank. The more fluid carried, the greater the weight penalty for the aircraft.

How does the weight of the fluid affect the performance of the aircraft?

The weight of the fluid affects the aircraft's performance by increasing its overall weight, which can reduce fuel efficiency, maneuverability, and payload capacity.

What happens when the system runs out of fluid?

When the system runs out of fluid, the aircraft loses its ability to protect against ice formation, leaving the aircraft vulnerable to ice buildup on its surfaces.

Why is glycol-based fluid used in the fluid-type airframe ice protection system?

Glycol-based fluid is used because it has freezing-point depressant properties, which help lower the freezing point of water and prevent ice from forming on the aircraft's surfaces.