Therm-X, Electr-X Offer Electrifying Options For Builders

Representatives with RDD Enterprises, LLC told ANN Monday of the company's new line of products, designed exclusively for experimental aircraft.

RDD is the exclusive distributor of Therm-X, a proprietary electro-thermal de-icing system derived from an FAA certified system designed by Kelly Thermal Systems. Therm-X is simple by design -- it has no moving parts other than an alternator, and it requires no messy and expensive de-icing solution.

Therm-X consists of a graphite foil laminate applied to the leading edge of the wing and horizontal stabilizer. Electronic heating elements embedded within the laminate are powered by a 75 volt/100 amp alternator. The result is 7,500 watts of digitally controlled and ground fault protected energy coursing through two heating zones to keep the wings free of ice in unexpected icing encounters.

The leading edge "parting zone" receives constant heat while the "shed zone" is managed by a digital controller to receive a heated cycle to disbond ice so it can be aerodynamically whisked away, virtually eliminating runback.

RDD also announced special introductory pricing of $21,595 -- well below the price of other systems, notes RDD -- in conjunction with next month's Lakeland Fly-In.

"RDD is excited about introducing Therm-X to the experimental aircraft community at Sun 'n Fun next month," stated Mark Mahnke, RDD Enterprises  Systems Integration Manage. "The show attracts thousands of experimental aircraft enthusiasts who can take advantage of this one time offer so we decided to introduce Therm-X a bit early and encourage builders come to Sun 'n Fun ready to cash in on a great deal."

The company also unveiled Electri-X, an advanced electrical system specifically developed for the unique demands of the experimental aircraft builder. Electri-X consists of two independent systems, that are also fully redundant.

RDD personnel note the critical difference between "dual" and "redundant," is that many aircraft with dual electrical systems generally have a lesser back-up electric system that cannot continually operate all normal electrical load items without pilot action to shed load. Electri-X redundancy means that both electrical systems are equal in form and function -- meaning either system is fully capable of powering all standard equipment independently.

Electri-X by RDD offers a level of electrical power delivery redundancy usually only found on twin-engine or very high-end piston singles. Dual 60 amp alternators, dual batteries, dual busses and dual wiring harnesses all controlled by one central control unit ensure that an electrical emergency will not force you to shed power, pull breakers, turn off critical standard systems or fly a partial panel in the event of an electrical emergency.

RDD says its systems allows the pilot to fly the aircraft safely, with less distraction while the remaining power supply system keeps all normal equipment energized.

FMI: www.rddent.com