Robot Will Keep the Ice off Helicopter Blades Preventing the build-up of ice on Helicopter blades has long been a problem for manufacturers. The military often need to fly in the arctic and heaters in the blades of their helicopters are a matter of life and death. Because the weather is often cold most helicopters in northern Europe are also fitted with heaters in the blades. This mat has traditionally been sprayed on manually which means it is sometimes uneven leading to hot and cold spots on the blade. If the ice melts more quickly in some places than others the blade can be unbalanced and become a danger to the helicopter.
Manufacturers have to reject some blades to ensure the safety of the aircraft.
Aerospace Composites Technology, based in Luton, makes helicopter blades for both civilian and military customers. The company asked AEA Technology Products and Systems to find a way of applying the de-icer mat in a uniform manner to ensure that all their blades will operate to the highest standard no matter how cold the air. AEA Technology responded by developing a robot capable of preparing the blade and spraying on the de-icer mat with a high degree of accuracy. The robot first prepares the surface by blasting it with a find grit before cleaning the area. It then heats a fine wire which is sprayed onto the blade at pre-determined points to create what is in effect a series of small heaters along the blade.