May 4 2009
Goodrich Corporation (NYSE: GR) has successfully demonstrated the durability and performance of its new DuraTherm(TM) ice protection technology on a Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopter engine inlet sectional mockup. The U.S. Army Apache helicopter fleet is to be equipped with the DuraTherm ice protection system as part of the Block III upgrade program. The ice protection system and associated controller technology was designed and produced by Goodrich's Sensors and Integrated Systems teams in Uniontown, Ohio, Vergennes, Vt. and Union, W.Va.
The ice protection system uses Goodrich's DuraTherm proprietary heater mat technology, which incorporates an electronic mesh embedded into an advanced durable composite material to form the engine nose gearbox fairing. DuraTherm not only performs anti-icing, it is also highly resistant to fatigue and foreign object damage. This results in increased overall system reliability, enhanced operational capability and improved flight crew safety by allowing continued operation in both icing and battlefield conditions.
Kip Freeman, business development director for Goodrich Sensors and Integrated Systems said, "This test at NASA Glenn's icing research tunnel was an important milestone for AH-64 Block III upgrade readiness. We are proud to use our DuraTherm heaters to make the Apache helicopter more survivable and capable to protect our warfighters as they carry out their missions in the harshest of operating conditions."
Several original equipment manufacturers are now deploying DuraTherm to enhance the ice protection capabilities of the aircraft they produce. The DuraTherm material and supporting control can be retrofitted into existing fielded aircraft fleets.
Goodrich is an industry leading producer of ice detection and protection systems for military and commercial helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. Other Goodrich content on the Apache helicopter includes the air data system, engine components, flight controls, ice detection, heater mats for the main and tail rotor blades, fuel measurement, mission recording, tail rotor drive shafts and landing gear.