SLD Guard

Developed specifically to address the new FAA aircraft certification regulations, SLD Guard protects against the threat of supercooled large drops (SLD).

Whilst less common than standard small droplet icing, SLD icing can occur treacherously fast due to the larger size of SLD drops (more than 0.05mm). Freezing only partially on contact, the drop is swept back by the airflow until it is fully frozen in a layer of clear ice, impacting a greater area of the aircraft’s surfaces.

An anti-ice and de-ice protection system, SLD Guard is designed to handle rapid ice accumulation on aircraft wings at critical flight controls. It is certified for Flight Into Known Icing and allows aircraft to safely withstand unexpected icing encounters of freezing rain and drizzle as defined by Appendix O of the Federal Aviation Regulations.

SLD Benefits

SLD Guard now permits new aircraft that require certification, to be certified for continuous operation in both the entire Appendix C and Appendix O envelopes.

Meets FAA regulations

Meets FAA regulations

for FIKI conditions with SLD.

Anti-Ice and De-Ice

Anti-Ice and De-Ice

to tackle ice accumulation.

Simplifies certification

Simplifies certification

in NextGen aircraft.

FAA Regulation

In November 2014, the FAA mandated that U.S. aircraft manufacturers must show that certain newly manufactured transport airplanes under 60,000lb can operate safely in freezing drizzle or freezing rain; conditions that constitute the icing environment known as “supercooled large drops”.  The standard also includes ice crystal weather conditions as well.

How it Works

Cessna head on at angle in deep blue sky with mountain shadows behind
1 As a new factory fit option, it can be installed alongside any current primary ice protection selected by the manufacturer and as the system is inset into the original design of the frame, it does not impact aircraft performance.
2 Like TKS®, SLD Guard is a freezing point depression system and is installed in the form of titanium strips on the upper wing surfaces ahead of the ailerons, as well as the upper and lower surfaces of the horizontal stabilizer.
3 These strips also comprise of millions of 0.0025inch laser drilled holes which dispenses TKS® fluid to reduces the freezing point of moisture encountered in flight to at least the ambient temperature or down to -76°F (-60°C).
4 The fluid flows back across the frame of the aircraft and mixes with the moisture in the air, preventing it from freezing before aerodynamic forces carry it away.

Vital Statistics

~27.5-28.5lb

without fluid*

System Weight

~9.6 – 11.4lb

Eliminated in non-icing seasons by draining the fluid tank.

Fluid Weight

45mins

Minimum

Anti-ice Endurance

1.5amps
(40 watts)

power

Full Speed Power Consumption

Cockpit Control Panel Operation

  • fluid quantity monitoring
  • operational state

Corrosion Resistance

TKS® fluid used in the SLD Guard System, has cleaning properties that does not harm paint finish and flushes debris from the panel holes. Unlike ground de-icing fluids which can sometimes corrode aircraft panels, TKS® fluid is non-corrosive.

*System weight based on an average large business jet.

Fluid Schematic

Illustration of SLD positioning on leading edge

Discuss your SLD Requirements

Ken Weaver Headshot

Get in touch with our VP of Business Development Ken Weaver to disccuss bespoke SLD options for your aircraft:

k.weaver@cav-systems.com, +1 913 738 5390