US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Paul Fung of the 305th Aircraft Generation Squadron operates the AirPlus, a new de-icing system developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory. The AirPlus produces a high-velocity air-jet by drawing ambient air into a compressor. The air then exits the compressor at 13 pounds per square inch and heated to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the air reaches the nozzle, it returns to its ambient temperature and pressure, a process of converting thermal energy into kinetic energy. Some of the advantages are the use of air rather than glycol as the major de-icing medium. The air is diffused slowly from the nozzle for increased coverage and the minimal use of glycol ...

The original finding aid described this photograph as:

[Complete] Scene Caption: US Air Force Staff Sergeant Paul Fung of the 305th Aircraft Generation Squadron operates the AirPlus, a new de-icing system developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory. The AirPlus produces a high-velocity air-jet by drawing ambient air into a compressor. The air then exits the compressor at 13 pounds per square inch and heated to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the air reaches the nozzle, it returns to its ambient temperature and pressure, a process of converting thermal energy into kinetic energy. Some of the advantages are the use of air rather than glycol as the major de-icing medium. The air is diffused slowly from the nozzle for increased coverage and the minimal use of glycol reduces environmental hazards. The flexible nozzle is capable of being aimed in 180 degrees from the enclosed, heated, operator cab which is attached to a 20 foot boom on a truck. The test took place at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey on March 16, 2000.

Base: Mcguire Air Force Base

State: New Jersey (NJ)

Country: United States Of America (USA)

Scene Camera Operator: Scott H. Spitzer, USAF Civilian

Release Status: Released to Public
Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files