Re: Is there a new invention which lets you detect ice optically at distance?

Hello Paul,

I found the FAA page you describe, but there's not a lot of information there about this device. I tried web searching on things like 'optical ice sensor' and didn't find anything promising. Then it occurred to me to check the US Patent Office.

There is a patent (number 5760711) for an optical ice sensing device for aircraft; it was granted in June of 1998, so it might be the thing the FAA page refers to. Remember - just because a patent is granted doesn't mean the invention actually works! - but the idea seems to involve firing light pulses at a sensor mounted on the aircraft. If there is a buildup of ice on the sensor more of the light will be reflected into a light detector.

Does it have any limitations? Well, I'm not an an aircraft engineer, but it looks like a pretty rugged system to me. Obviously the fact that the sensor is mounted on the outside of the aircraft means it could be torn off, but I would think that's not an unreasonable limitation. But as I say, I'm not really a good judge - you can read the description for yourself and see what you think.

Again, I don't know if this is the device the FAA document referred to - you best bet would be to ask someone at the FAA directly. But reading the patent description of this device was interesting anyway!

Pauline