The first all-plastic ice sensor for unmanned aerial vehicles and other small aircraft has been developed by New Avionics Corp. of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. It avoids the problem of traditional metal probes that tended to compromise mission critical antennas.
The sensor is 1.5 inches long by one quarter inch in diameter. Weight is rated at less than 10 grams. Ice detection is triggered at 0.001 inch or better, says a spokesman. “This sensitivity immediately alerts UAV operators and pilots to the aircraft’s presence in an icing domain, and allows them to take early corrective action, long before ice builds to become a hazard to aircraft in flight.”