In-Flight Ice Protection: An introduction to TKS

The threat posed by ice accretion, especially to smaller aircraft, is not to be underestimated, so owner-pilots should choose their ice protection system carefully. But with a number of different products on the market – with wildly varying approaches to ice protection – which is best for your needs?

In a recent interview, CEO Mike Eggleston explains some of the key features of TKS and why it deserves to be at the top of any ice protection consideration process.

We have an extremely rich heritage and last year celebrated 80 years of our TKS system. Introduced in 1942, we are the only supplier of fluid-based ice protection systems globally and have continued to innovate on the leading edge for over eight decades.

TKS: what is it and why do you need it?

Ice build-up represents one of the most prominent dangers when flying in cold weather or at certain altitudes. This is because it can actively disrupt your airflow, decreasing both the performance and control of an aircraft. As well as reducing visibility, ice can increase the weight and drag. Not only that, but it can increase the risk of stalling at a lower angle of attack and at a higher airspeed.

TKS is a high-performing anti-ice and de-ice protection system installed to keep your aircraft safe when in icing conditions. TKS can be designed for either inadvertent encounters (no hazard) or Flight into Known Icing (FIKI) conditions, keeping you safe whatever the conditions.

It protects all the leading edges of an aeroplane, in addition to windshields and propellers.

It works by evenly dispersing an ambient temperature freezing point depressant fluid from microscopic holes in laser-drilled titanium panels which then blend with supercooled water in the clouds, carrying the mixture away and preventing the formation and adherence of ice.

Whether you are an aircraft manufacturer or an owner pilot looking to retrofit a new ice protection system, there are many reasons why TKS represents an excellent option.

Anti-ice vs de-ice
There are key differences between anti-ice and de-icing functions that are critical to understand when choosing an ice protection system.

De-icing boots consist of a thick rubber material that is inflated and expanded to crack any ice that has accumulated. This means they only provide a de-icing function; they can only remove ice that has already formed on the aircraft.

Once the operation has been completed, the boots are deflated and return the wings – or other leading edges – to their normal shape. But the risk is that if the boots are blown up too early, you are increasing the area that the ice can cover. Inflate them too late and the boots may not have the strength to break the ice and therefore fail their objective.

TKS, on the other hand, provides both de-icing and anti-icing, which helps to prevent ice from forming to begin with, as well as removing anything that may have built up. This makes TKS more reliable and effective than traditional de-icing boots.

As opposed to other forms of de-icing systems (boots, electro-thermal, and electro-expulsive), TKS systems have no influence on aircraft drag and, as a result, do not impact range or efficiency.

Full aerofoil protection
The key difference between TKS and all other Ice Protection systems, is that it is the only system that can protect the entire aerofoil. Boots, can remove a proportion of the ice from the leading edge, but any ice that has accreted behind the boots cannot be removed by the system. This can disturb aerodynamics and, in turn, cause performance losses. Other de-icing systems like electro-thermal and electro-expulsive also limited in terms of the chordwise protection they offer.

The TKS system covers the leading edges, the windscreen and propellers, protecting the entire frame and maintaining crucial flight performance in potentially challenging conditions.

Lowest-power system on the market
The low power requirements of TKS are a major benefit, particularly for emerging markets.  It requires very little energy to operate and TKS is the lowest power option by far. Meanwhile, de-ice boots require around 775W to function correctly and TKS systems only need 42W. This lower power consumption reduces demand on the aircraft’s electrical system.

Electro-thermal is another popular ice protection system, that periodically heat the leading edge to remove ice. However, tens of kW’s of energy are required to power them, which is a huge power demand compared to TKS.

Comparable weight
One common misconception about TKS systems is the additional weight that they supposedly bring as a liquid-based system. De-ice systems may appear to be lower weight, but they come with a significant range of penalties.

The integration of the TKS Titanium panels into the leading edge can remove alternative or existing structural weight, with the significant additional benefit that the aircraft will not be inhibited by inter-cycle ice shapes, which add weight and drag.

Understandably pilots are also focused on additional weight requirements. This is something CAV has monitored the TKS GA fleet over decades and millions of flight hours and the resulting evidence demonstrates that the actual quantities for fluid used are very low, with a typical pilot filling their TKS reservoir just once or twice per winter season.

Quite simply, the weight of the fluid is negated by what is saved in other areas.

Unsurpassed safety record
TKS operates by depressing the freezing point of the moisture you are exposed to throughout the flight. The flow rate is specifically calculated for each individual aircraft, and by dispersing the liquid at the correct rate, the system will prevent the formation of ice and can tackle any adverse conditions with ease.

There has never been an icing accident or incident resulting from flying in icing conditions with a CAV System certificated for FIKI conditions.

Summary
Having an ice protection system in place is fundamental to make sure you are flying both securely and with much-needed peace of mind. Highly robust, erosion-resistant, and with low power consumption and operating costs, TKS systems are a leading option to guard your aircraft against the dangers of icy weather conditions.