GKN Completes Breakthrough Ice Detection Program

GKN Aerospace (Chalet B73, Hall 2b F169) has completed coordination of a nine-nation European project, which has succeeded in developing a new optical ice-monitoring concept. The new system promises fully automated inflight ice protection for the first time.

The On Wings ice sensor can be flush-mounted into any airfoil and measures ice formation on the surface directly. The sensor head uses optical fibers, which project light into any ice and measure the reflection. The resulting data is analyzed using new data measurement technology, which determines the type, severity and thickness of any ice formation.