Aeroprobe Pitot and Pitot-static Probes

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Key features

• Total and static pressure measurement for airspeed and altitude calculations
• Lightweight stainless steel designs with optional heating and drainage
• Straight, L-shaped and strut-mounted configurations for different installations

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Pitot-static probes for accurate airspeed measurement

Aeroprobe Pitot and Pitot-static Probes provide pressure measurements for determining airspeed in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), aircraft and aerodynamic test facilities. Pitot-static probes measure both total and static pressure, enabling a compatible air data system to calculate airspeed, Mach number and altitude.

The probes are designed for applications where reliable airspeed information is required without the additional flow-angle measurements provided by multi-function air data probes.

Aeroprobe offers straight, L-shaped and strut-mounted configurations for different aircraft installations. Their lightweight, brazed stainless steel construction makes them suitable for UAVs and other platforms where weight, installation space and environmental resistance are important.

Heated and drained Pitot-static probes

For aircraft operating in challenging weather conditions, Aeroprobe offers heated and drained Pitot-static probes.

The heated versions help prevent ice formation around the pressure openings, while the drained tip design supports operation in rain. Different heater options are available to suit the aircraft's electrical system.

The lightweight heated and drained version features a 6.4 mm tip diameter and weighs as little as 20 g, excluding lead wires. An optional PT100 RTD can monitor the internal probe temperature.

Different probe configurations

Straight Pitot-static probes

Straight probes are suitable for boom-mounted installations ahead of an aircraft. They can also be used in wind tunnels where the airflow direction is known.

L-shaped Pitot-static probes

L-shaped probes provide additional installation flexibility when a straight mounting arrangement is not suitable.

Strut-mounted Pitot-static probes

Strut-mounted probes feature an aerodynamic support for installation on an aircraft fuselage. This configuration is suitable for applications where a separate measurement boom is not preferred.

Integration with Micro Air Data Computers

Aeroprobe Pitot-static probes can be combined with compatible Micro Air Data Computers (μADC) to calculate and transmit airspeed and altitude data.

They can also be connected directly to existing measurement hardware equipped with suitable pitot and static pressure connections.

The appropriate combination depends on the required measurement range, aircraft configuration and data interface.

Applications

Aeroprobe Pitot-static probes are used in UAV development, aircraft flight testing, wind tunnel measurements and aerodynamic research.

They are particularly suitable for applications where airspeed and pressure-based altitude measurements are required, without the need to measure angle of attack or sideslip.

Selecting the right Pitot-static probe

The correct probe configuration depends on the expected airspeed, installation method, available space, aircraft weight limitations and environmental conditions.

Althen Sensors & Controls helps engineers select suitable Aeroprobe Pitot-static probes and compatible air data electronics.

Please contact Althen to discuss your flight measurement requirements.