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TKS Installation: Cessna Caravan

The Caravan series of aircraft can now be equipped with the TKS ice protection system developed by Aerospace Systems & Technologies Ltd. and certified by Flight Ice of Orlando, Florida. The TKS Ice Protection System exudes ethylene glycol-based fluid from porous titanium panels attached over the airfoil leading edges, a slinger ring on the propeller hub to "sling" the same fluid over rubber boots on each propeller blade, and a spray bar in front of the pilot's windshield area and base of the cargo pod to spray, upon demand, fluid to displace ice build-up.

TKS system performance was validated for the Caravan during the previous winter. The aircraft was subjected not only to simulated icing conditions behind an icing tanker, but also to numerous natural icing encounters ranging from rime ice to freezing rain. The aircraft was also rigorously evaluated for handling characteristics with ice-contaminated tail surfaces and large droplet water encounters, two areas of concern that have arisen from recent commuter aircraft incidents. The installation of the TKS system does not alter the performance or handling characteristics when compared to a clean airframe. However, a major benefit of the TKS system on the Caravan is the increase in allowable takeoff weight into known icing conditions for the 208B Model equipped with either the 600 SHP or the 675 SHP power plant.

The performance of the TKS system, along with the procedures developed during the known icing certification, combine to provide a superior level of ice protection and safety for the Cessna Caravan. With this TKS system approval, the Caravan offers a new level of capability and reliability for flight into known icing conditions.

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