Posted By Willis S. Cole, Jr. Sam on August 23, 2006 at 13:08:42:
In Reply to: Re: Removal of Deicing Boots posted by Kevin M. Pearson on August 23, 2006 at 12:00:47:
: I have specifically spoken with Bill Heller and Jack Rencher, pilots with the 303rd BG about this subject. The deicer boots you mention were somewhat inneffective in ice removal. Keep in mind the boots were only on the leading edge of the wings and horizontal and vertical stabalizers and did not prevent ice from forming on the wing or ependage surfaces behind them. Too, those magnificent Wright Cyclones put out some major vibrations of their own that shook ice off. And icing was a problem until the a/c climbed into the sub-zero stratosphere. Judging from what Bill and Jack told me, they were not needed, but I would be interested in hearing what anyone else has to say about this.
: Kevin
The boots tended to come off, if the aircraft was struck by FLAK or Fighers. It does not take much imagination to picture what a falling rubber object of same length could do to following aircraft.
I have seen pictures, somewhere, of the boots coming loose and falling through a formation.
It was determined, that they were more of a probem than a benefit and removed.
Sam