TKS Anti-Ice Systems

TKS Ice Protection offers a level of ice protection unsurpassed by any other method. It has   the major advantage of providing anti-ice capability, as well as de-icing. The end result is   an ice protection system that keeps ice off of the aircraft, maintaining aircraft performance in the icing environment. This level of protection, coupled with the ease of use of the system, provides effective, simple ice protection.

The TKS ice protection method is based upon the freezing point depressant concept. An antifreeze solution is pumped from panels mounted on the leading edges of the wings, horizontal and vertical stabilizers. The solution mixes with the super-cooled water in the cloud, depresses its freezing point, and allows the mixture to flow off of the aircraft without freezing.

The system is designed to anti ice, but it is also capable of de-icing an aircraft as well. When ice has accumulated on the  leading edges, the antifreeze solution will chemically break down the bond between the ice and airframe, allowing the aerodynamic forces on the ice to carry it away. This capability allows the system to clear the airframe of accumulated ice before transitioning to anti-ice protection.

A valuable side effect of TKS ice  protection is the reduction of run back icing  on the wings and tail. Once fluid departs the panel on the leading edge of the surface, it flows aft over the upper and lower surfaces and departs the aircraft at the trailing edge. This run back effect keeps ice accumulation in check aft of the panels, from run back or  from impact of larger water droplets. This side effect is a positive benefit in today’s  environment of concern for ice protection during large droplet encounters.

TKS ice protection systems have been developed for a number of aircraft around the world, with a majority of the recent developments occurring in the United States. Systems have been developed for several general aviation aircraft, from safety of flight (installation) supplemental type certificates (STC) for inadvertent icing encounters, to full known icing certifications.