Originally Posted by
Robert T
I am trying to resolve why Concorde needed such extensive de-icing trials before entering service.
I assume it is to do with the size of the delta wing in subsonic flight and/or icing crystals in the engine intake at supersonic speed. The bit that confuses me is how does ice build up when the outside skin temp is betwen 90 and 110 degrees?
Just guessing, but it was possibly because she had to climb and descend through clouds/icing conditions before and after supersonic cruise.