Icing wind tunnel test campaign

The HERWINGT team by ADS, Ikerlan, AIN and INTA spent the week starting the 23rd August performing Icing Wind Tunnel tests at Rail Tec Arsenal (RTA) in Vienna to prove the concept of thermoelectric heating by induction. For this purpose, a wing model 2,4 m span and 2.0 m chord was built, including a thermoplastic leading edge made by HAI, which was adapted to include the induction system by Ikerlan and a resistive thermoelectric system designed by INTA to serve as a reference for comparison. The leading edge was split into four heating sections; 2 for induction and two for resistive, so that testing time could be optimised at the expense of a campaign real-time management a bit more complex. As a late surprise, a small section of the model was painted with a treatment to understand the possible effects on heating.

The testing campaign was performed at the RTA Small Test Section covering a wide range of icing conditions from -10 degC to -30 deg C. The campaign provided the team with a valuable opportunity to assess how inductive and resistive heating perform under representative icing conditions. The week was filled with surprises, experiments, technical discussions, and excellent teamwork, including the visit from EASA.

HERWINGT Demos: Development Challenges and Solutions: Join us at the 16th EASN International Conference

Bringing together leading industrial and research organizations, the session will offer an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the technological developments demonstrated within HERWINGT across three key thematic areas:

• Liquid Resin Infusion (HAI, Aciturri, Airbus Defence and Space)
• Thermoplastic Technologies (AIMEN)
• Morphing Structures (CIRA, TU Delft, SIEMENS)

Through firsthand accounts from the teams driving these innovations, attendees will gain valuable insights into the engineering challenges encountered during development, the solutions adopted, and the lessons learned along the way. 

Showcasing the practical realities of advanced aeronautical research and industrial implementation, the session promises a stimulating exchange of knowledge and expertise for researchers, engineers, and aviation professionals alike.

Explore the conference agenda and Save the Date!

The project is supported by the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking and its members.​

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking. Neither the European Union nor Clean Aviation JU can be held responsible for them.