RAIN REMOVAL SYSTEM

The rain removal system shown in figure 3-6 controls windshield icing and removes rain by directing a flow of heated air over the windshield. This heated air serves two purposes. First, the air breaks the rain drops into small particles, which are then blown away. Secondly, the air heats the windshield to prevent the moisture from freezing

Figure 3-5.-Deicing troubleshooting chart. 3-6

Figure 3-6.-Rain removal system.

on it. The A-6E rain removal system (for those aircraft with airframes change number 268 incorporated) is discussed in the following paragraphs.

Description and Components

The rain removal system is controlled by the windshield switch located on the air-conditioning control panel in the cockpit. (See fig. 3-7.) The

system uses hot bleed air from the 12th stage compressor section of each engine. The nosewheel well bleed-air shutoff valve controls the flow of hot bleed air to the rain removal system.

Then the rain-removal, pressure-regulator shutoff valve controls the airflow from the rainremoval system to the windshield. When this valve is open, it allows hot bleed air to flow to the rainremoval nozzle assembly. The nozzle distributes the air through a series of diffuser outlets to form a wide stream of hot air over the windshield. The temperature of the air is lowered by a mixing ejector at the inlet of the rain-removal nozzle assembly. The ejector uses hot bleed air as its primary air, and it draws secondary air from the nose radome compartment to cool the rainremoval air.

In the next several paragraphs, we will discuss the major components of the rain removal system. You should know the location and functions of these components to aid you in troubleshooting and maintaining the system.