| The TKS system offers a pilot more time to make crucial decisions when encountering icing conditions. The effectiveness of the TKS ice protection concept has been documented by NASA through extensive testing in the icing research tunnel at the Lewis Research Center, and through over 26 years of service on
the BAe-125 series of business jets as standard equipment. The system has also been proving itself in service on the Beech Bonanza since 1987.
Laser Drilled Titanium panels are installed on the leading edges of the wings and horizontal and vertical stabilizers. A slinger ring is installed on the propeller and a spray bar is positioned on the windshield for protection. A glycol based fluid is exuded through the panels and flows over these surfaces, keeping the aircraft virtually ice free.
 The glycol-based fluid is metered from a tank by a small, electrically driven pump through a micro-filter to proportioning units. The proportioning units contain calibrated capillary tubes which apportion fluid to the individual panels and the propeller slinger ring. The windshield is protected with an on-demand pump and spray bar. A significant advantage for the pilot is the simple operation of the system. Just turn the system ON when icing is encountered and OFF when leaving icing conditions. A pilot needs to make only one decision while operating the ice protection system: anti-ice or de-ice mode. In the anti-ice mode, a protective film of glycol prevents the formation of ice. In the de-ice mode, the glycol chemically breaks the ice bond. A significant feature of both modes is the elimination of run back ice. Even with TKS ice protection, a pilot should always take immediate steps to find non-icing conditions. The weight added to an aircraft as a result of the TKS Ice Protection System is minimal. The TKS system weighs approximately 50 lbs. without fluid (lighter than a rubber boot system) and approximately 105 lbs. with a full tank of fluid. The attractive TKS system requires a minimum of upkeep. As the system is used, it flushes out any accumulation of debris on the panels. Glycol, the main ingredient of the ice protection fluid, has cleaning properties and will not harm the paint finish on the aircraft. |
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