Warner Electric Modified SF-825 Clutch for Aircraft Deicing Truck

Wright Bros. Aero provides aviation services including deicing, to general aviation aircraft and major carriers. The Aero deicing trucks were originally equipped to spray a mixture of water and Type 1 deicing glycol on airplanes prior to takeoff. Airports are changing their deicing procedures so aircraft are sprayed first with Type 1 to remove ice, then sprayed with Type 4 to prevent re-icing.

The trucks needed to be retrofitted with new piston pumps to handle the additional Type 4 anti-icing glycol application. The new, dual function pumps required a clutch with a higher torque capacity than the original clutches.

To meet the challenge, Warner Electric modified the SF-825 clutch by improving the efficiency of the magnetic circuit to achieve a high torque to diameter ratio and high torque to axial length ratio in a small package. With modifications, the new clutch provides 450 ft. lbs. of torque to meet the demands of the new pumps.

The modified SF-825 clutches are economical, drop-in replacements for the original clutches. The overall short clutch length allows for quick and easy installation.