Gary E Reid

US Patent:

55583032, Sep 24, 1996

Filed:

Dec 27, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/364301

Inventors:

Terence L. Koethe - Keller TX
Richard M. Wilson - Burleson TX
Gary L. Reid - Fort Worth TX

International Classification:

B64D 1502

US Classification:

244134R

Abstract:

A method and apparatus are provided for de-icing an aircraft of the type having wings and fuel storage in the wings. Hot fuel is provided for fueling the aircraft. The hot fuel is at elevated temperatures which are sufficiently high enough to transfer heat from the fuel, through a fuel tank extending within the wings, and to the exterior of the wings to de-ice the aircraft. A storage tank stores the fuel, and a heater heats the fuel to elevated temperatures. An intermediate thermal transfer system having a secondary thermal fluid transfers heat from a primary power source to the fuel. Further, a substantial volume of the secondary thermal fuel may be maintained at elevated temperatures to provide a sufficient thermal reserve capacity for heating the fuel upon demand.