In order to improve the flexibility and fatigue resistance of helicopter rotor anti-icing system, the metal mesh braided with nickel alloy filaments is used as heating element, and the heating element is arranged in the blade in an extended way. Through the design, the diameter of wire and the size of mesh were determined. Combining with the existing composite material forming process, the electrical heating test pieces were prepared. The electrothermal performance test, mechanical property test and laboratory simulated deicing test of the prepared heating pad were carried out. The results show that the temperature rising speed of the heating pad is 2℃/s, the temperature uniformity in the plane is less than 2℃, and the simulated deicing effect in the laboratory is good.