USAF, Battelle target UAS ice protection
The US Air Force (USAF) is exploring ice protection technology for UAS under a cooperative research and development agreement with Battelle Memorial Institute.
The technology is being sought to enhance operational performance for UAS in adverse weather conditions, such as light to moderate icing. The USAF is interested in affordable, lightweight, easily adaptable ice protection technology that contributes to enhanced performance and fewer aborted missions.
Battelle is currently in the final stages of developing an ice protection system that uses a carbon nanotube dispersant as a resistive heater for anti-ice/de-ice capability. Coupled with an autonomous, intelligent, closed-loop controller, the system provides a low size, weight, and power electrothermal solution.
Under this agreement Battelle will continue to test and validate its research and development efforts on test wings and engine air inlets from operational systems. The company will also leverage its collaboration with the air force for acquiring additional external funding through various proposals and grants.
Randy Johnson, Battelle’s program manager, said: ‘Access to government furnished equipment allowed Battelle to validate multiple modelling and simulation tests and [has] brought developments to the current integration stage on operational aircraft. This agreement will also allow the air force to provide us with detailed technical information required for the actual integration.’
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
-
![Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities]()
Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities
Funds for the second phase of this effort will be allocated in the US Department of Defense (DoD) FY2026 budget request.
