The Boeing Company
Aircraft ice detection systems and methods

Abstract:

Systems and methods are provided for an ice detector with a movable airfoil. The movable airfoil may be airfoil shaped and the ice detector may include an ice detection sensor. The movable airfoil may be adjusted in angle of attack and/or configuration to simulate the pressure gradient experienced by one or more of the wing, fuselage, engine, horizontal/vertical stabilizer, or other component of the aircraft. Sensors may be used to detect the configuration of the aircraft or the components of the aircraft and the configuration of the movable airfoil may then be adjusted to approximate the pressure distribution around the aircraft component. Ice accretion on the movable airfoil may be determined via the data from the ice detector.