Helicopter Preflight Deicing

Methods of deicing helicopters are neither refined nor standardized. Glycol-based deicing fluids used to deice fixed-wing aircraft may damage rotorhead bearings, and the infrequency of helicopter deicing, as well as the non-airfield locations where it may occur, makes recovery of glycol deicing fluids before they enter the environment difficult and costly. CRREL has explored technologies for more rapidly deicing Army helicopters, including stationary and portable infrared systems, hot air, and hot fluids designed specifically for helicopters. This report discusses CRREL's development work with each technology from a military perspective, but also addresses the engineering needs and the potential application of each to commercial helicopter operations.