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In 1997 we did install a BFG "slimline" boot de-ice system on a IV-P for a
customer in Sweden. The boots covered the wings, horizontal stab and
vertical stab, but not the winglets. A hot prop was installed on the
Hartzell 3 blade prop. We designed a spray bar system for the windshield as
well, but it was never installed.

The boots were purchased from a builder in Texas in "kit" form. The boots
themselves were brand new units, direct from BFG. Most other components were
used/salvage items. No documentation (other than that from BFG) was provided
with the "kit," leaving a lot to the imagination... We believe this to be
the first, (of 2 or 3) and only actual working installation on a IV. I would
be interested in hearing about any other successful installations.

The finished installation weighed in at around 50/55 pounds, plus about 15
pounds for a supplemental electric vaccum pump to operate the system. All
the valving was mounted in the baggage area on the back of the lower
pressure bulkhead. In order to disrupt laminar flow as little as possible,
the paint & primer under the boots was removed in order to fair them in as
much as possible. The loss of speed was not greater than 5 knots, if that
much.

The owner flew successfully in Europe for 3 years, and reported the boots
worked as advertised. The plane is back in the states and will be for sale
in a few months. Additionally, we may have a complete boot kit for sale
(including installation instructions) that was never installed on another
customer's planes due to the project being sold because of a lost medical.
If anyone is interested, contact me and I will check on availability.

Lance mentioned Neico's involvement with a glycol system a few years ago. In
1995 we worked with a customer who desired a weeping wing system on his
IV-P, and was willing to underwrite some of the development cost.  We
contacted AS & T (the USA arm of TKS, which is based in Europe) and Lancair
about designing a system. The design progressed as far as engineering
drawings and leading edge molds, which we made, before TKS Europe sort of
"lost interest" due to the expanding Mooney market.

Brad Simmons
Airframes Inc.
Milan, TN
btsim1@iswt.com

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Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.