UK source for proven air data probes

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 8, 2001

SpaceAge Control's air data probes for use in flight test and similar applications comply with the requirements of NASA and have been used in a wide range of flight test programmes

Now available from sound and vibration measurement specialist Bruel and Kjaer is a range of air data products for use in flight test and similar applications.

Manufactured by SpaceAge Control, the air data probes comply with the requirements of NASA and have been used in a wide range of flight test programmes.

Most models feature static and total head pressure pickups and angle of attack and sideslip vanes.

The vanes, also called airflow direction transmitters or flow angle sensors, are coupled to precision potentiometers (or similar devices) to provide an electrical signal indicating airflow direction relative to the air data boom's axis.

A range of standard products is available with custom configurations available to special order.

Model 100400 is a mini air data boom designed for drone, RPV, UAV and light aircraft use.

Features include aluminium body, stainless steel nose, angle of attack and sideslip vanes, static and total head pressure pick ups and approximate weight of 170 grams.

Model 100600 is a straight-nose air data boom with aluminium body, stainless steel nose, angle of attack and sideslip vanes and static and total head pressure pickups.

Approximate weight is 795 grams making these probes suitable for most aerospace applications.

Model 100700 is identical to the 100600 version but features a heated probe.

Model 100510 is a swivel-head air data boom that is the same as model 100600 except that the static and total head pressures are obtained from a gimbal-mounted weathervane nose that swivels 21 in any direction.

This model provides pressure readings at angle of attack or sideslip values of 30 or less, making it particularly useful for helicopter and VSTOL aircraft applications.

A nose lock is available to convert this model to straight-nose operation or for storage purposes.

Approximate weight is 1.25kg.

Model 100800 is a trailing bomb that is designed to provide air data for helicopters, STOL and VTOL aircraft.

Features include static and total head pressure pickups.

Approximate weight is 4.8kg.

Also available are vanes for standalone use with custom mounts if required and a range of accessories to complement the air data probes.

These include vane calibration fixtures, total head probe covers, vane covers, vane assemblies, test fixture sets and boom adaptors for swift installation and removal of booms.

SpaceAge Control air data products are designed and manufactured specifically for fair weather and non-icing flight test operations.

The products have been successfully used on a broad range of aircraft including military fighter, attack and cargo planes, commercial aircraft, trainers, drones/RPVs/UAVs, helicopters, racing craft and general aviation.

With over 50 years experience, Bruel and Kjaer is a world leading manufacturer and supplier of sound and vibration products for use in a wide range of applications including environmental noise measurements, building acoustics, vibration measurements and quality control for use in the automotive, aerospace and consumer industries as well as by local authorities.