An EU team further developed two existing aircraft ice sensors and created a third. The systems effectively detect ice via its optical effects, using algorithms to calculate thickness and predict aerodynamic consequences.
Modern aircraft fly at high altitude, where the air is very cold; hence, aircraft wings are prone to icing, which affects safety and efficiency. Current ice detectors are seldom located on wings, leading to ice protection systems being activated before needed, causing further inefficiencies.
Further details: Smarter ice detection