November 2, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
William Cahalin
bcahalin@kellyaerospace.com
334.386.3621
Kelly Aerospace Acquires Northcoast Technologies
Kelly Aerospace, Inc. announced today the acquisition of Northcoast Technologies, Ltd., a Cleveland based
company which is currently awaiting final FAA certification of an innovative and patented thermoelectric
aircraft wing-and-tail ice protection system called 'Thermawing'. Bob Rutherford, one of
Northcoast's founders, will retain an interest in the new company and will continue to serve as VP and
General Manager of Kelly Aerospace Thermal Systems, LLC.
Developed under an SBIR program sponsored by NASA, Northcoast used the extensive aircraft icing
research and test facility at the NASA-Glenn Research Center at Cleveland Hopkins airport to prove its
expanded graphite foil heating element technology could simply and economically displace the
complex, heavy and cumbersome pneumatic inflatable boot, glycol (TKS), and 'EIDI' (electro impulse
deicing) deicing systems currently in use. The design offers extremely light weight, simplicity of
installation, automatic operation, high reliability and durability, and 'clean wing' deicing every time.
The 'Thermawing' system was developed initially for the 'new generation' of general aviation aircraft but
recent developments make the technology applicable to larger turbo prop and jet aircraft as well.
Several major airframe manufacturers are considering the system for aircraft from light singles to
regional air carrier aircraft. Combined with the companyís prop deice kits, all the aircraft airfoils can
have 'Thermawing' ice protection.
After a multi-year development program, the first certified application will be on the Columbia 350 and
400 series high performance single engine aircraft produced by Columbia Aircraft in Bend, Oregon.
The Columbia 400 being used in the flight test program will be on display at AOPA's Expo in Tampa,
Florida the first weekend in November. Though Northcoast has developed an FAA certified high output
alternator to power the system, Kellyís extensive experience in lightweight, high performance
alternators and electronic controls is expected to provide further opportunities to enhance the system
performance.
The company has also designed and FAA STC'd a unique, modular all-electric airconditioning system
for the Cessna 172/182 series aircraft. The system features a digital 'set it and forget it' temperature
controller and a service-free sealed compressor with a brushless DC drive motor which can be easily
installed in the tailcone of the 24 volt C172's and C182's. Engine compartment work is limited to a
simple upgrade of the shipís alternator. Connecting ground power and touching a switch on the cowling
will automatically provide "MAX Cooling" of the cabin without starting the engine.
About Kelly Aerospace:
Kelly Aerospace, Inc, headquartered in Montgomery, Alabama, is a leading subsystem supplier to general aviation OEM and
aftermarket customers. The Kelly Aerospace organization is: Kelly Aerospace Power Systems, Inc. manufacturing facilities and corporate offices in Montgomery, Alabama; Kelly Aerospace Turbine Rotables, Inc. an FAA certified repair
station located in Wichita, Kansas; Turbonetics, Inc. manufactures turbochargers and performance automotive products
based out of Simi Valley, California; and Kelly Aerospace Thermal Systems, LLC. manufactures air conditioning and ice
protection systems for general aviation aircraft. Thermal Systems design and development facility is in Willoughby, Ohio. For more information visit: WWW.KELLYAEROSPACE.COM
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