AtmosphericIcing Mitigation on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Electrothermal Strategies and Functional Materials for Operational Safety Under Known Icing Conditions

Abstract

Atmospheric icing is one of the most critical meteorological hazards for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), whose operation under adverse conditions—high latitudes, elevated altitudes, long-endurance missions without pilot intervention—particularly exposes them to ice accumulation on aerodynamic surfaces and propellers. Unlike manned aviation, where this phenomenon has been extensively studied and regulated, a significant knowledge gap exists in the UAV domain that limits the development of effective protection systems adapted to energy constraints. This article provides an integrative review—conducted with a systematic search strategy following PRISMA reporting guidelines—of atmospheric ice formation mechanisms, their specific effects on UAV propellers, and the two most promising mitigation approaches: electrothermal modelling for the optimisation of electric heating systems and the development of functional surface materials including superhydrophobic coatings (SHC); composites with conductive nanofillers (graphene, carbon nanotubes); and piezoelectric actuators. The analysis demonstrates that hybrid systems combining passive and active strategies managed by intelligent control represent the most viable solution for extending UAV operational envelopes under known icing conditions, with a projected reduction in anti-icing system energy consumption of at least 40% relative to conventional continuous heating. This estimate is based on the most conservative published evidence: pulsed electrothermal de-icing achieves 40–60% savings versus continuous anti-icingSHC-assisted hybrid heating reduces IPS power by more than 80% on static aerofoils; and rotary-wing pulsed systems reduce mean consumption by 60–75% relative to continuous operation. Key research gaps are identified, and a prioritised future research agenda is proposed to support the development of certifiable anti-icing systems for rotary-wing UAV platforms.