Micro-air data probe

This system provides a completely self-contained measurement solution for air data requirements, including three components of velocity, static pressure, pressure altitude, relative humidity and temperature. An integrated IMU provides positional information for alignment, as well as vibration warning. The system communicates using a robust RS-485 protocol, ensuring data confidence in even the noisiest environments.

Air data measurement

With probe sting diameters down to 1.8 mm and sensor packages down to 15 mm diameter located downstream, the integrated multi-hole probe system provides a compact, robust and minimally intrusive probe system at a fraction of the cost of LDV or CTA systems. The networked RS-485 architecture is particularly useful for rake or other simultaneous multipoint measurements.

With a variety of probe and sensor package geometries available, this compact air data system provides high-fidelity measurements in a form easily adapted for integration into small- and medium-scale UAVs, and would allow for more precise flight control than conventional pitot-static arrangements.

This self-contained system may be fitted with a probe having extra sensitivity to yaw angles, providing high-quality track wind information with a very small required enclosed volume requirement and mass. Incorporating heaters, the probe may equally be used in wet and heavy rain conditions with minimal additional uncertainty.