Qarbon Aerospace has launched the Helios Ice Protection System. The system advances aircraft icing protection technology, overcoming challenges that exist with legacy systems. The US-based firm develops complex composite and metallic structural components and assemblies such as fuselages, wings, flight control surfaces, and engine nacelles and components.

Helios is an all composite, highly efficient and reliable electro-thermal icing protection system that embeds a carbon fibre thermoplastic heating element into the leading edge structure of wings, nacelles, or empennages. Qarbon Aerospace views this technology as a natural fit to replace pneumatic boots, bleed air, and other legacy icing protection technology, the company said in the media statement.

Qarbon Aerospace has chosen to partner with AIR group as the worldwide distributor of Helios. Together, Qarbon Aerospace and AIR group will target airlines operating turboprop aircraft where there would be value in reducing the maintenance costs, replacement expenses, and operational limits imposed by pneumatic boots.

“Significant technology and manufacturing development have positioned Helios Ice Protection to be a leap forward in safety when flying into known icing conditions. Extensive icing tunnel and operational evaluation tests have proven Helios is an efficient, low power and reliable solution for icing protection,” Evan Young, head of engineering for Qarbon Aerospace said in a statement.

“AIR has been supporting turboprop operators around the world for over 20 years. Our team of highly experienced professionals offer class leading around the clock AOG service from our distribution facility near DFW Airport in Texas. We believe Helios brings our customers a whole new level of value and safety, and we are proud to have been selected as Qarbon Aerospace’s partner for the supply of Helios and look forward to stocking and supporting this advanced technology system,” Morgan Whitehead, vice president of operations for AIR group said.