Side flex leading edge ice protector

A method of deicing an airfoil having an apex where the radius of curvature of the airfoil is smallest, the airfoil and the apex being bisected by a centerline, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a deflectable shell over the airfoil;
• b) providing a deflection means between said deflectable shell and the airfoil in the area of the apex;
• and,
• c) deflecting said deflectable shell with said deflection means away from the airfoil in the area of the apex and toward the airfoil on either side of the centerline behind the apex.

A deicing system for an airfoil having an apex corresponding to the portion of the airfoil where the radius of curvature of the airfoil is smallest, the airfoil and the apex being bisected by a centerline, the deicing system comprising:

• a deflectable shell disposed over the airfoil for meeting and breaking an impinging airstream;
• deflection means disposed between beneath said deflectable shell at said apex for deflecting said deflectable shell in the area of said apex away from the airfoil and into the airstream;
• and,
• at least one compressible member provided beneath said deflectable shell adjacent said apex on either side of said centerline, said compressible zones facilitating deflection of said deflectable shell overlying said compressible member toward the airfoil when said deflection means deflects said deflectable shell.