Systems for multiple zone heaters for rotor craft and methods of operation

摘要

Within examples, systems for multiple zone heaters for rotor craft are provided and methods for operation. An example system for a rotor craft comprises multiple blades coupled to a rotor and areas of the multiple blades divided into sections. A given blade includes an inboard section extending from the rotor outward and an outboard section extending from the inboard section to a tip of the given blade. The system also includes a plurality of first spanwise heater systems included on respective outboard sections of the multiple blades, a plurality of second spanwise heater systems included on respective inboard sections of the multiple blades, and a control unit coupled to the plurality of first spanwise heater systems and the plurality of second spanwise heater systems. Respective heater systems of the sections of multiple blades are energized in a sequence based on outside air temperature.