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TKS Installation: Beechcraft Baron

Flight Ice, Inc. has expanded their services to include installation of the TKS system on the Beechcraft Baron. The TKS Ice Protection System will provide new capabilities to your Baron aircraft.

TKS ice protection systems have been developed for a number of aircraft around the world, with a majority of the recent developments occurring in the United States. Systems have been created for several general aviation aircraft, ranging from safety of flight (installation) supplemental type certificates (STC) for inadvertent icing encounters, up to full known icing certifications. For the Baron, the TKS system is certified for flight in known icing conditions.

Ice protection with a TKS system on the Baron is achieved in a similar fashion to the Cessna 210 system. Laser-drilled titanium panels are mounted to the leading edges of the wings, horizontal and vertical stabilizers. The propellers are protected with fluid slinger rings, and the windshield is provided with a spraybar. Read more detailed information about how the TKS Ice Protection System works on the Beechcraft Baron.

The Baron TKS system is designed for a minimum ice protection endurance of 2.5 hours. The design fluid quantity for the aircraft is 6.5 gallons. The system is operated and monitored through a control panel in the cockpit. All modes of operation and selection for the metering and windshield pumps are controlled through the panel. Coupled to a sensor in the reservoir, the remaining quantity of fluid is displayed. The operational state of the system may also be monitored with the panel. 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.

The TKS ice protection system is based upon liquid. An antifreeze solution is pumped from panels mounted on the leading edges of the wings, horizontal and vertical stabilizers.

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 VNG maximum structural cruising speed.

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 ice protection 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.

Fluid for the windshield spraybar system is provided by two on-demand gear pumps. The spraybar may be activated as needed to clear forward vision through the windshield. Either pump will supply fluid for windshield ice protection. The fluid passes through a microfilter prior to distribution to the porous panels and propeller. The filter assures all contaminants are removed from the fluid and prevents panel blockage.

Kilfrost.comFlight Ice is an authorized distributor for Kilfrost De-icing Fluid.