Heater for a gas turbine engine strut, electrical connector for this heater and corresponding manufacturing method

摘要

A connector (38) for incorporation into a heater system (28) for inlet struts (26) includes a body (56) having a tapered forward end (58) and an opposite rear end (66). A plurality of forward electrical terminals (62) are formed on the outer surface (60) of the tapered end (58). A plurality of rearward electrical terminals (64) are formed on the rear end (66) of the body. The rearward electrical terminals (64) are in electrical connection with the forward electrical terminals (62). The forward electrical terminals (62) on the tapered end (58) are in electrical contact with a plurality of electrical contacts (76) connected to heating elements (32) formed in a heating mat (30). The heating mat (30) entirely envelops the connector (38). The heater mat (30) is formed within a substantially rigid outer shell (40).