Aerodynamic challenges of UAVs with thermal de-icing systems

** NEW PUBLICATION ** Operating drones in cold weather causes multiple challenges. Atmospheric in-cloud icing is one of them. Aircraft are often grounded during potential icing conditions because of significant performance degradation caused by ice accretion.Ice protection systems (IPS) are one way to mitigate icing-induced performance degradations and to open the atmospheric flight envelope. However,Continue reading “Aerodynamic challenges of UAVs with thermal de-icing systems”

Panel discussion on challenges of icing for disruptive aircraft and AAM at Aviation Forum

At the AIAA Aviation Forum 2024 in Las Vegas, a selected panel of experts from across the aerospace sector came together to address one of the most pressing challenges facing the industry today: the impact of in-flight icing on disruptive aircraft designs, such as fully-electric aircraft, UAVs, and eVTOLs. The panel was led by theContinue reading “Panel discussion on challenges of icing for disruptive aircraft and AAM at Aviation Forum”

RCN support for the 2nd UAV Icing Workshop

We are thrilled to announce that the Norwegian Research Council (RCN) will be supporting our 2nd International UAV Icing Workshop with a grant of 100,000 NOK. The workshop will be held in Trondheim 03-04 December and organised by the UAV Icing Lab. This funding will allow us to keep the event free for all attendees,Continue reading “RCN support for the 2nd UAV Icing Workshop”

Exploring New Frontiers: Icing Research for Green Aviation

The NTNU UAV Icing Lab has obtained funding for a new research project in collaboration with UBIQ Aerospace. Together, they have received 9.1MNOK (0.8MEUR) in funding from the Norwegian Research Council for an innovation project with the title Zero Ice Shield: D•ICE Ice Protection for Aviation’s Green Evolution. The project’s motivation is the development ofContinue reading “Exploring New Frontiers: Icing Research for Green Aviation”

Advancing UAV Safety: Electro-Thermal Ice Protection for Propellers

In a recent presentation at the AIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition in Orlando, master student Markus Frey had the pleasure of representing the NTNU UAV Icing Lab. In this session, we explored innovative research set to revolutionize the safety and reliability of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) operating in challenging weather conditions. The focus was anContinue reading “Advancing UAV Safety: Electro-Thermal Ice Protection for Propellers”

Bridging UAV Icing Innovations to Clean Aviation

Last week, our team from the UAV Icing Lab had the privilege of attending the NTNU Clean Aviation evening with Rolls-Royce, Avinor, and Widerøe. This event not only provided us with a deeper understanding of the latest trends in aviation technology but also opened our eyes to the significant potential for synergy between our workContinue reading “Bridging UAV Icing Innovations to Clean Aviation”

New Advancements in Ice Protection Systems for UAV propellers 

The NTNU UAV Icing Lab, together with Mejzlik Propellers, and UBIQ Aerospace have developed a system to protect the propellers of UAVs when flying in icing conditions. In clouds in cold conditions, the propeller can collect ice and reduce the aerodynamic efficiency of the propeller. The developed electro-thermal ice protection system prevents ice accretion andContinue reading “New Advancements in Ice Protection Systems for UAV propellers “

Optimizing Ice Protection Systems for UAVs: Striking the Balance Between Energy Efficiency and Flight Safety 

**NEW PUBLICATION** Atmospheric in-flight icing is a significant threat for all aircraft, in particular for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Hence, most UAVs require a mitigation plan in order to fly safely in icing conditions, at least in the more severe icing conditions. One way of protecting the aircraft against the negative influences of icing isContinue reading “Optimizing Ice Protection Systems for UAVs: Striking the Balance Between Energy Efficiency and Flight Safety “