Graphite-Based Leading Edge Heating Element Shows Promise for Lighter, More Efficient Ice Protection

Qarbon Aerospace, finished their icing tunnel testing of the upcoming Helios Ice Protection System.

The system uses a heated graphite layer embedded in a thermoplastic composite leading edge, harnessing the material's improved thermal conductivity to prevent ice buildup in flight. Thanks to the increased efficiency of graphite, the system comes up to operating temperature "significantly faster" than legacy ice protection systems, reducing wasted energy use.

The Helios test articles used for the icing tunnel test drew upon Teijin's carbon fiber materials and Web Industries’ Precision BiasPly technology. Their bias-ply composites allow for high-scale production in application-specific formats, increasing fabrication efficiency and reducing waste throughout the manufacturing process. The successful tunnel testing validated the Qarbon's overall manufacturing plans while proving suitability for Helios in flight. As it stands today, Helios provides a low-power, efficient alternative to traditional old-fashioned leading edge boots. Simplifying the complex, finicky system of pumps, tubing, gates, and valves with a single heated element.

Qarbon Aerospace, while not a well-known household name in the aircraft industry, is a ubiquitous presence in civilian and military OEM supply. Qarbon's body of work includes control surfaces, wings, and fuselage components for Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, Gulfstream, Bell, and more. The Helios system remains in testing for some time yet, with a release date to be published once it moves further into development.

FMI: www.qarbonaerospace.com