NASA recently renewed its partnership with the National Research Council of Canada in order to continue research into the phenomena of ice formation on aircraft.
The five-year extension will facilitate research in areas related to aircraft icing, including thermal protection system testing development, engine ice and crystallization.
Research from this partnership has led to important breakthroughs and measures by regulating bodies.
“Partnerships have been an essential part of NASA aeronautics activities since the establishment of its predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, in 1915, and are based on a clear recognition of the value that’s added in sharing knowledge and unique capabilities with others,” Jaiwon Shin, associate administrator of NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, said.
Icing occurs in certain weather and atmospheric conditions, and can cause issues in the operation and performance of an aircraft. Several measures are taken if there is icing on an aircraft before takeoff. Legally ice must be removed from critical areas of any aircraft before it leaves the runway, including the wing edges and any engine inlets.
“The combined efforts of our two agencies will help solve some of the most difficult and challenging weather-related issues facing the aviation community,” Shin said.
