Anti-Ice on Combat Aircraft

The Argus (ASW aircraft slightly bigger than a C-130) was used in
severe icing conditions (low level over the North Atlantic) and
was well equipped with anti-icing and deicing equipment. They had
huge gas fired heaters (600 BTU each) one for each wing and one
for the tail, plus a 300 BTU one for cabin heating. They also had
numerous anti-ice mats for cowlings and other air-scoops plus
electrical prop deicers and 'Nesa windscreens'. I've flown
through some horrendous icing conditions believe me. The
replacement aircraft for the Argus (P-3 Aurora/Orion) has great
wing anti-icers utilizing engine bleed air, very effective
indeed.

-Gord.

Low level severe icing, over the north atlantic in the winter, does not sound
like something for the faint of heart...


Ron
Pilot/Wildland Firefighter