Pitot tubes and air data sensors for drones

Air data sensors measure the air around the aircraft: airspeed, pressure altitude, vertical speed, and in more advanced systems angle of attack and sideslip. For fixed-wing and transitioning VTOL aircraft, airspeed is essential: it tells the autopilot how close the wing is to stalling, which GNSS ground speed cannot do.

Types

• Pitot-static probes: measure total and static pressure; the difference gives airspeed.
• Multi-hole probes (five-hole and more): measure airspeed plus flow angles (angle of attack and sideslip), used in flight testing and advanced control.
• Air data computers (ADC): convert pressures and temperature into calibrated airspeed, altitude and other parameters, often with integrated sensors.
• Heated probes: prevent icing, which can block the probe and cause dangerous airspeed errors.

Key specifications

• Airspeed range and accuracy, especially at low speed for VTOL transition.
• Angle range and accuracy for multi-hole probes.
• Pressure sensor resolution and temperature stability.
• Heating: power required and icing performance.
• Installation: mounting location away from propeller wash and fuselage disturbance; probe length and drag.
• Interfaces: analog, serial, CAN or ARINC 429.
• Calibration: each installation should be calibrated in flight to correct position error.

Why it matters

Unreliable airspeed has caused accidents in both crewed and uncrewed aviation. For BVLOS operations in variable weather, a heated probe and air data that the autopilot can cross-check against GNSS and inertial data greatly reduce that risk.

Manufacturers in the directory

Examples include Aeroprobe. See also altimeters and IMUs.