Freezing the problem of futuristic planes: How scientists are beating ice on aircraft wings

his artist’s concept shows the transonic truss-braced wing concept. NASA’s Advanced Air Transport Technology project is exploring the design, which involves a longer, thinner wing structure with struts to enhance aerodynamic efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. (NASA)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – You may one day board a plane where the wings will look very different.

Future airplanes are ditching traditional wing design for something sleeker—long, thin wings braced with supports that make them more aerodynamic.

These futuristic wings are set to slash fuel use and cut emissions, making flying cheaper and greener. But there’s a hitch: they might also be more prone to ice buildup.

That’s why NASA is on the case, running high-tech tests to make sure these next-gen wings can handle icy conditions. After all, it doesn’t matter how fuel-efficient a plane is if it can’t safely get off the ground in bad weather.

Because of the thinness of transonic truss-braced wing design, ice tends to build up during cold conditions, as seen during a test in October 2024. Researchers at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland conducted another test campaign in March 2025, collecting important data to ensure safety. (NASA)

Why Change the Wing Design?

Right now, traditional airplane wings work just fine, but they create a lot of drag, making planes burn more fuel. The new transonic truss-braced wing design changes that by using longer, thinner wings with supporting struts to make them more aerodynamic. Less drag means lower fuel use, which is great for airlines and the environment.

But there’s a downside. These thinner wings could be more vulnerable to ice buildup, especially on the leading edge—the front part of the wing that first cuts through the air. Ice can mess with aerodynamics, making the plane less efficient or, worse, unsafe to fly.

NASA’s Icing Tests: Can These Wings Handle the Cold?

At NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, scientists are putting this wing design through its paces inside their Icing Research Tunnel. This facility can replicate freezing conditions, letting researchers see how ice forms on the wings and how it affects performance.

Early tests have already shown that large parts of the wing’s leading edge will need built-in ice protection systems, like heating elements or de-icing fluids, similar to what some planes already use. These tests are critical because before any new aircraft design can be approved, it has to meet strict Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety standards.

How This Research Helps Shape the Future of Flying

Boeing is teaming up with NASA to develop the X-66, an experimental aircraft featuring the TTBW design. The X-66 is part of NASA’s broader effort to develop next-gen airliner technology that’s not only good for business but also better for the planet.

By tackling these challenges now, engineers are making sure the planes of the future can fly farther, burn less fuel, and handle whatever Mother Nature throws their way.


About the Author
Mark Collins headshot

After covering the weather from every corner of Florida and doing marine research in the Gulf, Mark Collins settled in Jacksonville to forecast weather for The First Coast.

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