What is the purpose of the UH-60 anti-icing/de-icing systems and where are they applied?

• A. Prevent ice buildup on critical surfaces like rotor blades and engine inlets; activated automatically or manually under icing conditions.
• B. Increase fuel efficiency by warming the air intake.
• C. Remove ice from the cockpit windshield only.
• D. De-ice only the tail rotor.

Answer: (B)

Ice protection systems are there to keep critical aerodynamic surfaces free of ice so the helicopter can maintain lift, power, and control in icing conditions. They apply to surfaces where ice would most degrade performance, primarily the leading edges of the main rotor blades and the engine inlet (and, on some models, the tail rotor leading edge). The crew can enable them automatically or manually when icing is present. The purpose isn’t to warm air for better fuel efficiency or to treat the windshield only; it’s about preventing ice on surfaces that would compromise flight safety and performance.