Patent ID: 8704181

Claim:
An ice detection device for an aircraft, said detection device comprising: at least one transmitter which emits a first radiation and a second radiation in the direction of a reflective surface, said first radiation and said second radiation respectively being within a first wavelength band and a second wavelength band; a receiver which captures the first radiation and the second radiation reflected by said reflective surface; and a computer which determines the presence or absence of ice as a function of the intensity of the first radiation and the intensity of the second radiation captured; wherein said transmitter and said receiver are designed to be attached to an external surface of the aircraft, and wherein the detection device comprises: a protuberance on which the reflective surface is placed, said reflective surface extending at an angle substantially between 20.degree. and 90.degree. relative to the external surface of the aircraft, said reflective surface being located outside the boundary layer of the aircraft during flight; and a heating/cooling device able to exchange heat with at least a portion of said reflective surface and wherein said reflective surface is surrounded by a thermal gasket.