Kilfrost - News/Media
MARKING OVER SIX DECADES OF IN-FLIGHT ICE PROTECTION
Published on: Tuesday 22nd September 2009
One of the founders and innovators of the TKS system is this year celebrating over six decades since introducing the first in-flight ice protection systems to keep wings frost and ice free by exhibiting at NBAA in Orlando.
Involved with in-flight ice protection systems since 1942, today Kilfrost provides a comprehensive range of TKS fluids for pilots across the world. This winter season the company will launch their world-first environmentally-friendly fluid, TKSsustain which is based on Bio PDO rather than the more traditional ethylene glycol. Set to radically change the way that general aviators think about ice protection fluid, it has been submitted for certification and will be commercially available during the coming winter.
Kilfrost – the ‘K’ in ‘TKS’ – developed the original in-flight ice protection system alongside Tecalemit and Sheepridge Stokes at the instigation of the UK Government in 1942. “It was originally designed to meet the operational needs of allied aircraft flying during winter conditions.” explained Patrick Strasburger, Kilfrost’s Senior Vice President, The Americas. “The system was subsequently updated many times for use in the General Aviation and Business Jet communities; from the original HS125 to the contemporary Hawker 850XP aircraft of today,” Strasburger added. 
The company remains at the forefront of this fluid technology, working closely with the FAA to ensure their safety critical products meet or exceed regulatory requirements, including the military specification 406B. Kilfrost offers a full range of TKS fluids including R328 and TKS80, as well as the exciting new TKSsustain.
Strasburger concluded “As a company we’re proud of our heritage and the role we’ve played in keeping aircraft safe over the 75 years we’ve been in operation, and we’re committed to continuing to lead the way in developing innovative solutions which is why we invest so heavily in our renowned research and development laboratories.”
Kilfrost enjoys a diverse customer base across 50 countries on five continents offering a comprehensive logistics system insuring 24/7 delivery to the right place at the right time.
