Plain English Meaning

A system that bleeds a special freezing-point-lowering fluid out through tiny holes in the leading edges of the wings and tail, so ice either never forms or breaks loose and washes away.

Full Definition

An ice protection system that pumps a glycol-based fluid through laser-drilled porous metal panels along the leading edges of the wings, tail, and other critical surfaces. The fluid seeps out through tiny holes and flows back over the surface, lowering the freezing point of any water present so ice cannot bond to the airframe. It can be used both to prevent ice from forming () and to shed ice that has already accumulated ().