The outer skin of the ice protection panels are manufactured with titanium, 0.9mm thick. Titanium provides excellent strength, durability, corrosion resistance and is lightweight. The panel skin is perforated by laser drilling holes, 0.0025 inches in diameter, 800 per square inch. The porous area of the titanium panels is designed to cover the stagnation point travel on the appropriate leading edge over a normal operating environment, assuring fluid flow over the upper and lower surfaces of the protected area. This range is typically from best rate of climb at the low end to V_NG maximum structural cruising speed.

Click here to see a detailed fluid schematic for the Beechcraft Baron.

The backplate of a panel is manufactured with stainless steel. It is formed to create a reservoir for the ice protection fluid, allowing fluid supply to the entire porous area. A porous membrane between the outer skin and the reservoir assures even flow and distribution through the entire porous area of the panel. The porous panels are bonded as a cuff over the leading edges, utilizing a two-part, flexible adhesive.

Fluid is supplied to the panels and propellers by individually selectable metering pumps. Each two-speed pump provides two flow rates to the ice protection panels and propellers. The low speed supplies fluid for the design point of anti-icing during a maximum continuous icing condition. The high speed doubles the flow rate for removing accumulated ice or providing ice protection for more severe conditions.