What is the purpose of de-icing systems in aviation?

The primary purpose of de-icing systems in aviation is to ensure the safety and performance of the aircraft by removing ice that has already formed on critical surfaces. Ice accumulation can significantly affect an aircraft's aerodynamic properties, leading to reduced lift, increased drag, and potential control issues. De-icing systems apply heat or chemicals to surfaces such as wings, tail, and propellers to melt and remove ice during flight or prior to takeoff.

While keeping ice from forming is also an important aspect of aircraft performance, especially in preventing ice accumulation in the first place, de-icing systems are specifically designed to address existing ice. Therefore, their functionality is crucial in maintaining safe operational standards, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

Monitoring atmospheric conditions would involve systems that gather and analyze weather data, not specifically de-icing. Likewise, improving flight speed is not a direct purpose of de-icing systems, as their main focus is on safety and performance related to ice presence.