An Investigation of the Prevention of Ice on the Airplane Windshield

An investigation has been completed on several methods for the prevention and removal of ice on an airplane windshield. Tests were made on the use of electric heating, hot-air heating, and an alcohol-dispensing, rotating wiper blade. The results showed that vision through the airplane windshield could be maintained during severe icing conditions by the use of heat. When put in operation prior to the formation of ice on the windshield, the rotating wiper blade prevented the formation of ice. A combination system that employs the use of heated air and a rotating wiper blade would appear to give protection against the formation of ice on the windshield exterior, prevent frost on the interior, and provide for the removal of rainfall.