Plain English Meaning

Rubber strips on the front edges of the wings and tail that puff up with air to break ice off, then flatten back down.

Full Definition

An ice protection system that uses inflatable rubber boots bonded to the leading edges of the wings and tail. When ice accumulates, the boots are inflated with air pressure, expanding to crack and shed the ice, then deflate so the surface returns to its normal aerodynamic shape.

Context Anchor

Seen in icing discussions, aircraft equipment descriptions, and procedures for that use on or tail.