JUH-1H Pneumatic Boot Deicing System Flight Test Evaluation

The concept of operation of the Pneumatic Boot Deicing System as a deice system is feasible under the conditions tested when installed on the test UH-1H helicopter. A cooperative effort between NASA and the B.F. Goodrich Company led to the development of a prototype pneumatic boot deicing system designed for use on a helicopter main rotor system. Flight tests were conducted to establish an operational envelope and evaluate the feasibility of the pneumatic deicing concept. Phase I consisted of a ground and inflight structural loads survey which established an operational envelope. Phase II was a limited aircraft performance and handling qualities evaluation, and Phase III involved artificial icing tests. Thirteen problem areas were identified with the prototype Pneumatic Boot Deicing System installation, two of which were corrected during the evaluation. Major problem areas included excessive increases in power required for flight and deicer material erosion and breakdown.