Last week, Kelly Aerospace Inc. announced the acquisition of Northcoast Technologies, Ltd, a Cleveland, OH-based company awaiting final FAA certification of a patented thermo-electric aircraft wing-and-tail ice protection system known as "Thermawing."

Under terms of the deal, Northcoast Founder Bob Rutherford will retain an interest in the new company and will continue to serve as VP and General Manager of Kelly Aerospace Thermal Systems, LLC. Other Kelly Aerospace subsidiaries include Kelly Aerospace Power Systems and Kelly Aerospace Turbine Rotables.

The "Thermawing" system, developed initially for next-gen general aviation aircraft, has been determined to be applicable to larger turboprop and jet aircraft as well. Kelly expects to bring its expertise in lightweight, high-performance alternators and electronic controls to provide Thermawing with greater versatility and performance capabilities, according to a company release.

The first certified application of the technology on a GA aircraft will be on the Columbia 350 and 400.

Northcoast has also designed and STC'd a modular electric air-conditioning system for the Cessna 172/182 series of aircraft, featuring a "set it and forget it" temp controller and a sealed compressor.

FMI: www.kellyaerospace.com