How does the ERJ-145 handle ice accumulation on the wings?

The ERJ-145 is equipped with an anti-icing system designed to prevent ice formation on the wings. This system uses pneumatic air from the engines to heat the leading edges of the wings, which helps maintain aerodynamic performance and safety during flight.

Anti-icing is crucial because ice accumulation can significantly affect the airflow over the wings, leading to decreased lift and potentially hazardous flight conditions. By actively preventing ice from forming, the ERJ-145 enhances its operational capability in adverse weather conditions.

While other methods, such as using heating elements or de-icing fluids, can be involved in ice management, they do not serve the primary function of preventing ice accretion before it occurs. Preventive measures, like the anti-icing system, allow for safer operations while maintaining efficiency and performance. Manual removal before takeoff is impractical and usually not sufficient to ensure safety during flight, particularly for commercial operations.