Low-Range Airspeed Sensors
Abstract
The work reported herein is comprised of two parts: A critical assessment of the existing low airspeed sensors for helicopters and V/STOL aircraft and the development of two-dimensional jet-interaction velocity sensors. The theory of operation, system description, associated electronics, advantages and disadvantages, and the development stage of the existing sensors (pitot-static system, optical convolution velocimeter, low-range orthogonal airspeed system, omnidirectional low-range airspeed sensor, swivelling probe air data system, and the fluidic velocity sensor) have been critically discussed. The need to develop a low-airspeed sensor with no moving parts and a relatively linear sensitivity throughout the operating range and without excessive electronic amplification of the pressure signal led to the exploration of the jet-interaction principle. This culminated in the development of a two- dimensional sensor with extremely encouraging results. Continued design and development will be required to bring the jet-interaction sensor to the point of field tests with helicopters and V/STOL aircraft.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA096359
Entities
People
- Ralph E. Duncan
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School