Helicopter/Tiltrotor Gearbox Debris Monitoring

Innovative Dynamics, Inc. is proposing the development of a distributed ice detection system for the V-22 based on integrated capacitive ice detection technology. This technology has been developed by IDI over the past three years in conjuction with NASA Lewis and BFGoodrich DeIcing Systems for use with pneumatic boots. The environmentally rugged sensors are aerodynamically non-intrusive and can be installed with minimal structural modifications to the airframe. IDI will extend this capacitive technology for use with all ice protection systems on the Osprey with a focus on the electro-thermal proprotor de-icing system. IDI will integrate capacitive ice detection sensors with the existing prop heaters to create a smart de-icing system. The sensors will be able to monitor ice accretions in real time and activate the prop heaters at a predetermined ice thickness. This will maintain the size of the shed ice particles at an acceptable level to prevent fuselage damage for even the most severe icing conditions. Because the shed particle size can be controlled additional protective material is not needed on the fuselage resulting in added weight savings. Successful completion will drive a Phase II program to develop an integrated ice detection system for all ice prone surfaces on the V-22.