Weeping Wing is a chemical aircraft ice protection system wherein a glycol-based chemical is released onto the wing surface using small orifices on the leading edge

Leading edge

The leading edge is the part of the wing that first contacts the air; alternatively it is the foremost edge of an airfoil section. The first is an aerodynamic definition, the second a structural one....

 of the wing

Wing

A wing is an appendage with a surface that produces lift for flight or propulsion through the atmosphere, or through another gaseous or liquid fluid...

. This system provides both anti-icing (ice formation prevention) and deicing (removal of ice which has already formed).

Components of a Weeping Wing System

• Fluid reservoir
• Fluid pump
• Fluid Ducting
• Fluid
• Calibrated orifices
• Activation Circuit

Operation

Once the system is activated using a switch in the cockpit. This turns on the fluid pump, which pumps fluid out of the reservoir, through the ducting, and out onto the calibrated orifices on the wing leading edge. As the fluid flows along the airstream (both on the top and bottom surfaces of the wing), it leaves a thin coat of fluid which protects the surface from icing. The excess fluid then leaves the wing surface sliding out behind the wing's trailing edge.