Delta Orders Optical Ice Detectors

BFGoodrich Co. of Charlotte, N.C., has received an order from Delta Air Lines for its IceHawk wide-area ice detectors. Delta will evaluate the effectiveness of the detection systems for its MD-80 aircraft and seek approval by the US Federal Aviation Administration for this application before the next icing season. The agency has approved the use of the system with the Boeing 727.

The IceHawk monitors the polarization of infrared light reflected from the surface under test, enabling the user to detect ice, even if it builds up under deicing and hydraulic fluids or fuel. The upgraded system, which may be mounted on deicing trucks, has a detection range of 60 feet.