# Real-Time Image Analysis for Intelligent Aircraft De-Icing Decision Support Systems
## 2 Literature Review
Anti-icing systems are designed to prevent the accumulation of ice on critical aircraft surfaces by heating them (using hot air from the engines) or by applying special chemical fluids (e.g., TKS Fluid). For carburetted engines, it is crucial to use carburetted heating, especially when reducing engine power, as this prevents ice formation in the intake system even at temperatures reaching 25 \({}^{\circ}\)C. Another important element of icing prevention is proper flight planning, taking into account weather forecasts and PIREP, SIGMET, and AIRMET reports, which provide information about potential icing risks along the planned route. Pilots should avoid areas with a high risk of supercooled water, especially in low clouds (up to 6500 feet above ground) and in the temperatures range from 0 \({}^{\circ}\)C to \(-40\)\({}^{\circ}\)C. In the case of aircraft not equipped with appropriate anti-icing systems, it is essential to avoid icing-prone conditions by changing flight altitude or route. Removing already formed ice requires the use of specialized techniques and systems. De-icing systems differ from anti-icing systems in that they are used to remove existing ice, not to prevent its formation. In commercial aviation, de-icing fluids are commonly used before takeoff to dissolve existing ice deposits and provide temporary protection against re-icing. Onboard the aircraft, various mechanical systems are used, such as pneumatic \"boots\" on wing leading edges, which, through cyclic inflation and deflation, break and remove ice deposits. Newer designs use electric heating systems on critical surfaces to melt accumulating ice. An innovative approach is the use of durable superhydrophobic coatings on composite surfaces, which minimize ice adhesion by reducing water adhesion and delaying the freezing process. Studies have shown that these coatings can reduce ice adhesion by up to 80% compared to uncoated surfaces, maintaining their properties for over 500 freeze-thaw cycles. The combination of passive superhydrophobic coatings with active de-icing methods allows energy consumption to be reduced by up to 40%, which is economically and environmentally significant [20; 21; 22]. The effective mitigation of icing-related hazards requires strict adherence to specific operational procedures. The fundamental principle is the \"clean wing\"--before takeoff, all ice or snow deposits must be thoroughly removed from the aircraft's surfaces, as even a thin layer of frost can prevent a safe takeoff. During flight, it is crucial to monitor airspeedas an indicator of potential icing--a gradual decrease at constant engine power may signal increasing ice accumulation. On approach, in the case of icing, it is recommended to increase the final approach speed by 10-20 knots and avoid full flap extension, which reduces the risk of stalling. If icing conditions are encountered, pilots should immediately leave the area by changing altitude or course and report the situation to air traffic control. For carbureted engines, it is important to use carburetor heating prophylactically, in accordance with the operating manual. Icing of rotating blades requires special attention--pilots should recognize early signs of tailplane stall, such as unusual stick forces and control column vibrations. Ground personnel responsible for de-icing should use appropriate fluids and techniques, taking into account weather conditions and the expected departure time [23; 24; 25]. Modern approaches to ice prevention increasingly rely on advanced vision technologies and real-time image analysis to objectively assess aircraft surface conditions, surpassing traditional visual inspections. These systems use multispectral cameras (visible, infrared, UV) to detect ice type (clear, rime, mixed) and measure thickness. Integration with machine learning algorithms enables AI-driven decision support systems that recommend optimal de-icing methods, fluid types, and durations based on real-time ice conditions and weather data.