Modern De-Ice Equipment Adapted To The RV-10

Therm-X capability for Van's Aircraft RV-10 has just become available. With this addition, RDD has successfully added yet another aircraft model to its growing list of available Therm-X installations. "The RV-10 (file photo, at bottom) is a versatile platform with superb cross country capabilities," stated Systems Integration Manager, Mark Mahnke who headed up the development program. "Integrating Therm-X to the RV-10 airframe provides an added measure of safety for escaping inadvertent icing encounters."

Therm-X is a simple by design insofar as it has no moving parts, requires no maintenance, requires no messy and expensive de-icing solution and best of all, Therm-X provides an inexhaustible supply of ice protection - the ship's own electrical power. 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 70 volt/100 amp alternator.

The result is 7,500 watts of digitally-controlled energy coursing through two heating zones to keep the leading edges of the wings free of light ice. 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. The full system weight of Therm-X is a mere 40 pounds including airframe, propeller and windshield protection.

"RDD's ability to quickly and accurately develop and apply our technologies allows us to broaden our market," stated Kelly Aerospace's Erik Pederson. "We've been looking to break into the RV-10 market for some time and the team at RDD was best suited for the task," Pederson concluded. Kelly Aerospace Thermal Systems currently holds Supplemental Type Certificates for the Thermawing deice technology on the Cessna 350/400 series aircraft. Thermawing certification for the Cirrus SR22 series is also in process with the FAA and additional models are currently under development. RDD is the exclusive developer of Kelly Aerospace products for the experimental market.

RDD is taking orders for the RV-10 Therm-X kit now. The initial offering of the Therm-X kit is $15,500. Installation labor is estimated at 80-100 hours. RDD provides thorough installation instructions for the builder or will provide installation service at additional cost.

Also available for RV owners is RDD's built-in oxygen system (utilizing Precise Flight's technology) and SpeedBrakes. RDD will soon be bolstering the utility of the RV-10 aircraft with new features.

FMI: www.rddent.com