RandomGuy88 said:The vertical stabilizer can certainly collect ice. It just happens that in a lot of cases the effect of ice forming on the vertical stabilizer is not serious enough to justify the extra weight that the additional ice protection system would add. Some aircraft do have ice protection systems on the vert stabilizer. It just depends on the aircraft. Ice affects every geometry differently there are some airfoils/wings that barely suffer from even large ice shapes and then there are airfoils/wings that become completely useless with even the smallest amount of ice.
Aerodynamic icing is the accumulation of ice on an aircraft's surfaces, which can affect its performance and handling. Vertical stabilizers are particularly vulnerable to icing as they are located at the rear of the aircraft and are crucial for stability and control.
Icing on vertical stabilizers can cause a loss of control or stability, leading to potential accidents. It can also decrease the aircraft's lift, increase drag, and affect its ability to maintain altitude and speed.
The main factors that contribute to vertical stabilizer icing include low temperatures, high humidity, and the presence of supercooled liquid droplets in the air. These conditions are often found in cold weather and during flight in certain types of clouds.
Aerodynamicists use various techniques to design vertical stabilizers that are resistant to icing. These include incorporating de-icing systems, modifying the shape and surface of the stabilizer to reduce ice build-up, and using anti-icing coatings.
Pilots and aircraft maintenance crews use several methods to detect and mitigate icing on vertical stabilizers during flight. These include using ice detection systems, visual inspections, and following specific procedures to reduce the risk of icing, such as changing altitude or using de-icing equipment.