Keywords
Citation
(2005), "Advanced ice protection technology for Boeing 7E7 wings", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 77 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2005.12777cad.004
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Advanced ice protection technology for Boeing 7E7 wings
Keywords: Aircraft, Coatings technology, Thermal protection
GKN Aerospace is to supply new electro-thermal ice protection technology for the wings of the Boeing 7E7 Dreamliner aircraft, in the first application of this technology to a major wing environment.
Working together, GKN Aerospace, Ultra Electronics Controls Division and Thermion Systems are to supply the complete wing ice protection system (WIPS) for the Boeing 7E7. The WIPS will provide electro-thermal ice protection to the leading edge slats of the 7E7 wing. As systems integrator, Ultra will provide the control and power delivery whilst GKN Aerospace will provide the electro-thermal slat skin. This will comprise an advanced composite mat embedded with ThermionR heater elements. First production deliveries of the aircraft are due in mid-2008.
Electro-thermal de-icing systems remove the need to bleed hot air from the engine, which has been the traditional approach to wing de-icing. An electro-thermal system is more fuel efficient and avoids the problems associated with channelling hot gas tubing through complex wing and fuselage structures. As a result, the performance efficiency of the aircraft engine is increased whilst maintenance requirements are reduced.
Marcus Bryson, President and CEO, GKN Aerospace, Europe, comments: “We are delighted to be part of the Boeing team in this programme. We have been working with Ultra and Thermion Systems on this development for some two years, during which time we have clearly demonstrated the ability of the WIPS to meet the Boeing requirement. There is no doubt that the application of this de-icing technology to future aircraft such as the Boeing 7E7 will bring significant operational cost benefits to the airlines.”
The new product is the result of the combination of GKN Aerospace's expertise in advanced composite structures and the company's experience with electro-thermal heating. Similar GKN products have already been proven on the Boeing V-22 engine inlet and EH101 on the main rotor blade.
Details available from: GKN Aerospace. Tel: +44 (0)1983 283649; e-mail: sandra.fearon@aerospace.gknplc.com
Thermion Systems International. USA – Tel: +1(203) 377 3770; UK – Tel: +44(0) 1582 722788; web site: www.thermion.com