As the U.S., Russia, Canada and other nations devote preparations to Arctic operations, Battelle has designed a coating that keeps UAVs from icing up in cold weather.
Battelle’s HeatCoat “utilizes a carbon nanotube coating that can be sprayed onto an aircraft surface much like paint, creating a heated area when power is applied. An intelligent controller monitors the heater performance and applies only the power levels required for the flight conditions,” said a company news release. “This method is lighter than traditional ice protection systems, can operate on less power, has no moving parts, and can be retrofitted to existing assets.”
Related: DARPA prepares for Arctic operations
The coating has been tested in a laboratory chamber with temperatures as low as – 22 degrees Fahrenheit and air speeds of up to 182 knots.
