Aug 28 2006
Goodrich Corporation announced today that it has been selected by AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, to supply the Rotorblade Ice Protection System (RIPS) for the AW139 medium, twin-engine helicopter. The system assists in keeping the aircraft's main and tail rotorblades ice-free during extreme operating conditions by using Goodrich's DuraTherm(TM) electro-thermal deicing mat technology.
"The DuraTherm mat technology is one more example of Goodrich innovation," said Don Reynolds, Vice President, Goodrich Sensors and Integrated Systems. "It increases overall system reliability and improves flight crew safety by tolerating damage while continuing to operate," Reynolds added.
The Goodrich Rotorblade Ice Protection System is used to safely shed accreted ice and assist in maintaining ice-free conditions for both the helicopter's main and tail rotorblades. The DuraTherm electro-thermal ice protection technology uses heater mats that: consume less power; have higher fatigue strength; can tolerate considerable damage -- including punctures; and continue to provide ice protection. The heater controllers and power distributors monitor heater mat power consumption and operation, distribute power throughout the system's components, and provide flight crews with visual operational status.