Fluid Measurement Probes
K-Tec Systems supplies precision fluid measurement probes for demanding test environments. Our instrumentation — including Kiel probes, 5-hole probes, and yaw pitots — is engineered for aerospace, automotive, defense, and motorsport applications.
Probes Portfolio
5-Hole Probes
High-fidelity three-dimensional flow vector measurement in a compact, robust instrument.
Five-hole probes use five pressure measurement ports arranged around the probe tip to resolve the full three-dimensional flow vector — accurately determining total pressure, static pressure, and flow direction in both yaw and pitch, even in highly three-dimensional flows.
Probes are available with or without an integrated static ring, which improves static pressure accuracy in low pressure and velocity gradient conditions — such as on the front of an aircraft or UAV.
Manufactured using Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) additive manufacturing, probes are typically produced in stainless steel. Titanium is available for weight-critical applications; Inconel is available for high-temperature flows up to 980°C. Applications include VTOL aircraft development, turbo machinery, civil engineering flows, and experimental research.
All probes are individually calibrated across five discrete flow speeds and their full operating yaw and pitch angle ranges. Calibration data is provided as simple lookup tables for straightforward integration into real-time measurement systems or post-processing workflows.
K-Tec Systems is the authorized U.S. distributor for Aerosensor.
Key Specifications:
- Accuracy: +/-0.25%
- Flow angle: Up to +/-45°
- Max temperature: 980°C
- Minimum probe head diameter: 2mm
Kiel Probes
Accurate total pressure measurement even at high flow angles
Kiel probes are a fundamental tool for analyzing complex flow structures, delivering accurate total pressure measurement even when the local flow is at a high angle relative to the probe axis — well beyond the +/-5° range of traditional Pitot tubes.
Aerosensor manufactures Kiel probes using Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) technology, producing probe diameters as small as 1.6mm. Available in stainless steel or Inconel, they are highly durable and heat resistant up to 980°C. Probe heads can be integrated into custom shapes, rakes, or complex installations to suit your specific application.
K-Tec Systems is the authorized U.S. distributor for Aerosensor.
| Key Specifications: | Standard Configurations: |
| Accuracy: +/-0.1% | KP12: 1.6mm diameter, 90° probe head |
| Flow angle: Up to +/-50° | KP37: 1.6mm diameter, 0° probe head |
| Max temperature: 980°C | KP57: 4mm diameter, M4 thread, 0° probe head |
| Minimum diameter: 1.6mm |
Kiel Rakes
Multi-point total pressure arrays configured to your application
Kiel rakes enable simultaneous total pressure measurements at multiple points across a flow field. Construction can be tailored to your requirements — from monolithic one-piece DMLS (metal additive manufacturing) structures to machined assemblies using KP59 Kiel probes with M4 threaded shafts.
Whether the application calls for a compact, temperature-resistant rake for jet engine diagnostics or a large lightweight array for aerodynamic flow profiling, our bespoke design service accommodates the full range.
K-Tec Systems is the authorized U.S. distributor for Aerosensor.
Recent projects:
- Jet engine exhaust analysis
- On-track Formula One testing
- Haulage truck road testing
- Wind tunnel boundary layer measurement
Yaw Pitots
Accurate measurement of wind speed and direction in demanding test environments
Yaw Pitots measure both dynamic pressure and wind yaw angle simultaneously, with the added benefit of improving dynamic and static pressure accuracy across the yaw range.
Originally developed for high-level motorsport — now standard equipment in Formula One, where teams will bring a car in from a session if the yaw pitot fails — these probes are finding broader application across heavy haulage, elite cycling, aerospace, and UAV testing. Aerodynamic forces are heavily influenced by yaw, which can easily reach double digits with ambient wind. Without accurate on-road yaw measurement, reliable correlation of wind tunnel or CFD data is not achievable.
Manufactured by Aerosensor using Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) technology, each probe is rugged and readily customized to your specific mounting requirements. Standard production is in stainless steel, with Inconel available for high-temperature environments up to 980°C and titanium for weight-critical applications.
Every probe is individually calibrated in Aerosensor’s in-house wind tunnel across five discrete speeds and the full operating angle range. Calibration data is delivered as simple lookup tables for fast integration into real-time measurement systems or post-processing workflows.
K-Tec Systems is the authorized U.S. distributor for Aerosensor.
Key Specifications:
- Accuracy: +/-0.25%
- Flow angle: Up to +/-30°
- Max temperature: 980°C
- Minimum probe head diameter: 3.6mm
Aerosensor SC-01 Pressure Scanner
High-Accuracy 8-Channel Differential Pressure Scanner
The AeroSensor SC-01 measures true differential pressure across 8 channels at rates up to 1000 samples per second. Following a device tare, it achieves a total error band of just 0.05% of full scale over 24 hours — making it the ideal data acquisition companion to AeroSensor’s probe lineup. Data is available via USB or Ethernet (TCP), and included logging software runs on any standard laptop or desktop.
K-Tec Systems is the authorized U.S. distributor for Aerosensor.
Key Specifications:
| Accuracy | ±0.05% full scale |
| Total error band (after tare) | ±0.05% FS over 24 hours |
| Measurement rate | 50–1000 Hz per channel |
| Resolution | 24-bit |
| Pressure ranges | ±2.5 kPa, ±12.5 kPa |
| Data output | USB or Ethernet (TCP) |
| Power | 5V USB, 210 mA |
| Dimensions | 124 x 78 x 32 mm |
| Weight | 135 g |
| Operational range | -20 to +85°C |
| Humidity | 0 to 95% |
| Vibration | 15g |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose between a Kiel probe, a 5-hole probe, and a yaw pitot?
The right choice depends on what your application requires you to measure. Kiel probes are the best option when you need accurate total pressure measurement in a complex flow where the angle of attack is unknown or variable — they maintain accuracy at flow angles up to +/-50 degrees, well beyond the +/-5 degree limit of a traditional Pitot tube. Five-hole probes resolve the full three-dimensional flow vector, providing total pressure, static pressure, and flow direction in both yaw and pitch — they are the preferred choice when complete 3D flow characterization is required. Yaw pitots measure both dynamic pressure and wind yaw angle simultaneously, and are widely used in on-vehicle and on-track applications where accurate correlation of wind tunnel or CFD data depends on knowing the ambient yaw angle. Our engineering team can help you determine the right instrument for your test requirements.
Can thermocouple or RTD sensors be integrated into the probes?
Yes. K-Tec Systems’ custom thermocouples and RTDs can be incorporated into compatible probe designs for simultaneous flow and temperature measurement at the same location. Thermocouple wire is selected to match your specific application requirements and integrated directly into the probe. Contact our team to discuss combined sensing configurations.
What materials are available, and what are the maximum operating temperatures?
Aerosensor probes are available in stainless steel, Inconel, and titanium. Stainless steel covers the majority of applications; Inconel is specified for high-temperature environments up to 980 degrees C; titanium is selected for weight-critical applications. Vectoflow’s Omniprobe and Radiator Probe are also produced in stainless steel, Inconel, and titanium via additive manufacturing. The Omniprobe operates up to 600 degrees C; the Radiator Probe up to 230 degrees C (450 degrees F).
Can probes be customized for non-standard configurations?
Yes. Aerosensor’s DMLS additive manufacturing process allows integration of standard probe heads into custom shapes, rakes, and complex installations. Contact K-Tec Systems to discuss your specific application requirements.
Is K-Tec Systems registered to sell to U.S. government and defense customers?
Yes. K-Tec Systems is registered to do business with the U.S. Government. Our CAGE Code is 4W0S0. We are a WBENC and WOSB-certified woman-owned small business. For government or defense purchasing inquiries, contact our sales team at 248-414-4100.
How do I request a quote or get application support?
Contact K-Tec Systems at 248-414-4100 or orders@k-tecsystems.com. Our engineering team will review your application requirements and recommend the appropriate probe, material, and configuration.
Talk to a K-Tec Engineer
Ready to discuss your flow measurement requirements? Our engineering team is available to recommend the right probe configuration for your application. Complete the form below or call us directly at (248) 414-4100.
Learning Center
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Custom Thermocouple Types adapted to your Testing Process
Choosing the right thermocouple for your testing or manufacturing process is essential to collecting accurate data and ensuring product quality and consistency.
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Airflow Measurement, Flow Probes, Aerodynamics in Wind Tunnel
Measuring aerodynamics in a wind tunnel: Probes are selected to withstand high flow velocities, variable flow angles and high temps.
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Which Thermocouple for the Most Accurate Measurement and Test
Thermocouples are designed for different operating conditions and choosing the right thermocouple is vital to collecting accurate temperature data.
