De-icing info on Ekran

[CarneyUK]

I was flying a mission on DCSBS and as I got to altitude the Ekran system told mne to put on rotor anti-ice. I did this and carried on covering the HIP's as they dropped of the troops.

 

On route back both engines suddenly stopped and cut out. I thought I'd try auto-rotation, but god that needs some practice!!

 

ANyway, back on track....when I put on the rotor anti-ice I didn't put on the engine ice covers (the ones you switch on with the dust) I am thinking that this caused icing in the engine and I should have put the engine anti ice on aswell as the rotor ice :doh:

 

Just wondered is this modelled in DCSBS that the engines can ice and freeze, I know there was plenty of fuel and can't figure out what caused it??

[Irregular programming]

Yes, you need to flip all four switches to prevent iceing.

 

I spent far to long untill I figured out that the dust cover switch had three positions though.

Edited January 8, 2011 by Irregular programming

[sobek]

Just wondered is this modelled in DCSBS that the engines can ice and freeze, I know there was plenty of fuel and can't figure out what caused it??

 

Yes, there is a rather sophisticated turbine engine airflow abstraction that reacts genuinely to intake obstruction. With ice increasing, you will see an increase in EGT until the engine starts to choke and flames out. You need to monitor your engine instruments closely for these things.

[CarneyUK]

Thanks for the info :thumbup:

 

So when I get the Ekran ice warning I need to put both Static Pitot heat, Ram Air Pitot heat , Rotor de-ice on and what is the fourth one? The Windshield heat??

 

I take it if the EGT goes above 800'c then I need to worry? I am also thinking the best thing would be descend to warmer air?

 

The more I learn the busier it get's flying this thing!!! :D

[Irregular programming]

Thanks for the info :thumbup:

 

So when I get the Ekran ice warning I need to put both Static Pitot heat, Ram Air Pitot heat , Rotor de-ice on and what is the fourth one? The Windshield heat??

 

You want both pitot heating switches on, the rotor anti ice and just next to those is the engine anti ice/dust protection switch. It should be set to the top most position.

 

I take it if the EGT goes above 800'c then I need to worry? I am also thinking the best thing would be descend to warmer air?

 

The more I learn the busier it get's flying this thing!!! :D

 

I am still learning too, so I'll let someone a bit more experienced answer this one :)

Edited January 8, 2011 by Irregular programming

[CarneyUK]

You want both pitot heating switches on, the rotor anti ice and just next to those is the engine anti ice/dust protection switch it should be set to top most position.

 

 

 

I am still learning too, so I'll let someone a bit more experienced answer this one :)

 

Ha Ha...I'm a muppet, should have realised the fourth switch was the one that made me crash :doh: not the windshield heat.

[sobek]

So when I get the Ekran ice warning I need to put both Static Pitot heat, Ram Air Pitot heat , Rotor de-ice on and what is the fourth one? The Windshield heat??

 

The engine anti ice. It's the second position of the anti dust switch.

 

I take it if the EGT goes above 800'c then I need to worry?

 

I haven't flown the BS in over a year now, but IIRC, max cont power setting is way in excess of 800°C.

 

What you need to look for is if your EGT starts to rise without the gas generator rpm rising as well (you need a sixth sense to really see it, best indication is always the EKRAN message). This is an indication that the engine takes in less air (this can also be caused by climbing, so you need to take all parameters into account).

 

Note that the anti ice itself takes bleed air from the engine, thus increasing EGT when put on and therefore lessening the maximum amount of torque that the engines can safely supply without overtemp (actually the governor keeps you from severely overtemping them, but bear in mind the max power for x time restrictions (i totally forgot those, but they float around the forum somewhere for sure, look for AlphaOneSix posts, he's a helo technician, IIRC)).

 

 

I am also thinking the best thing would be descend to warmer air?

 

That certainly helps, but often is not an option (winter, clearing a mountain pass, etc.). Always put on anti ice when the EKRAN message is on.

 

 

Edit: All the above is made necessary because atm we lack some instruments to determine if icing conditions are present (most prominently, a working thermometer). IRL a pilot would judge if icing conditions are present and apply protection as a precaution without waiting for the icing to actually manifest itself.

Edited January 9, 2011 by sobek