Problem: Current air data sensors (e.g., pitot-static/vane), are expensive, have moving parts requiring frequent maintenance, and are susceptible to contamination. They are also unable to measure the high frequency fluctuations in airflow (turbulence) that are of concern to the structural health of aircraft.

Approach: AeroTech's thermal anemometer technology is a low-cost solid-state alternative. The sensor was mounted on the University of North Dakota’s Citation II research airplane for flight testing. The aircraft was flown in icing and turbulence conditions.

Results: Sensor was stable and accurate throughout the flight envelope, making high-frequency turbulence measurements.

AeroTech Contributions: Aircraft mounting test fixture design, sensor integration, and flight test data analysis.

Partners: University of North Dakota

For more information on the Gust Probe used in this experiment, click here.