HELICOPTER DE-ICING SYSTEMS AND PROSPECTS FOR THEIR DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Background. The relevance of this article is due to the need to improve the safety of helicopter flights when operating at low temperatures and high humidity, when there is a risk of icing of structural elements. Icing of the propeller blades significantly reduces aerodynamic performance, causes vibrations, imbalance and can lead to catastrophic consequences. The purpose of the article is to analyze existing de-icing systems, identify their advantages and disadvantages, and consider ultrasonic technology as the most promising method of anti-icing. Materials and methods. The paper makes a comparative analysis of thermal, non-thermal and ultrasonic de-icing systems. The features and principles of operation of electrothermal, air-thermal, pneumatic, electric pulse and hydrophobic technologies are considered. The construction and functioning of an ultrasound system has been carefully considered as the most promising. Results. The analysis showed that traditional thermal systems, along with high efficiency, require significant energy costs and complicate the design of the aircraft. Non-thermal methods have limited reliability and in most cases remain experimental. The ultrasonic system demonstrates high efficiency with low power consumption, is instantly triggered and does not require significant weighting of the structure. It ensures the removal of ice due to microcracks formed by ultrasonic vibrations, after which the ice is discharged by the centrifugal force of rotating blades and the incoming air flow. Conclusions. The ultrasonic de–icing system turns out to be the most promising system for its use on small and medium-sized helicopters, and in the future – on airplanes. It successfully combines compactness, low power consumption, high performance, reliability and durability due to the absence of complex mechanical components. The implementation of this system will significantly improve flight safety and reduce the operating costs of aviation enterprises.