De-ice for Props

From the early days of flying, ice build-up on the wings and propeller blades has always been a serious problem. Not only is the extra weight a problem, but of greater consequence is the change in the leading edge profile, which alters the airflow over the wings and prop blades, having a detrimental effect on the aircraft’s performance characteristics beyond acceptable limits. To help alleviate wing icing, in 1934, the American company B. F. Goodrich pioneered the system of pulsating rubber boots on the wing’s leading edge to break off the ice. Ice protection for the prop blades followed later, in the form of de-ice boots, electrical heater mats and a chemical slinger system