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Technology update
Protecting the Super Lynx
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Computer diagram of Super Lynx 300 engine intakes and gearbox cover.
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Ice protection specialist, Dunlop Aviation, is to supply engine intakes, with integral ice protection, and other composite moldings including engine cowlings, for the new GKN Westland Helicopters Super Lynx 300 demonstrator. The company has released a computer-generated diagram (illustrated) of the assembly. The diagram shows the assembly as mounted on top of the fuselage; the engine driveshafts pass through the holes at the front, which are also the main air inlets to the engines. Consisting of three parts (shown in green, yellow, and gray), electro-thermal heating incorporated in the molding prevents ice formation. Firewalls are shown in blue and the gearbox housings, which also incorporate anti-ice heating, are shown in red.
Each of the two engine intakes comprises three high integrity glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) moldings with integral foil heater elements. Dunlop carries out design and manufacture of the elements and intake structure. As well as delivering air to the engine, a subsidiary intake, which is also protected from icing, supplies the gearbox oil cooler. The engine cowlings will use carbon-fiber reinforcement for lightness and strength as they double as work platforms
for access.
Stuart Birch
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