Fluid Measurement Probes

Micro Air Data Probes

Compact digital probes that report three velocity components, static pressure, pressure altitude, humidity and temperature, for UAV flight instrumentation and wind tunnel testing.

Request a Quote View Specifications

A Complete Air Data Measurement in a Compact Package

A micro air data probe is a self-contained measurement system built around a 7-plus-1 hole probe. It reports three components of velocity, static pressure, pressure altitude, relative humidity and temperature over an RS-485 network, with an integrated inertial sensor for alignment and vibration warning.

Probe stings go down to 2 mm OD, with the sensor package located downstream, and the in-line package fits inside a 25 mm pipe. Optional 2 W sting heaters and birdstrike armour support aircraft use, and up to 16 probes can be chained on one RS-485 network for rake and multipoint measurements.

At a Glance

Probe stings down to 2 mm OD
1 kHz equivalent data acquisition
Total uncertainty of approximately 0.5% of full scale, as stated by the manufacturer
RS-485 network supporting up to 16 probes
Optional heaters for de-icing and wet conditions

Specifications

Micro Air Data Probe Specifications

Manufacturer specifications for standard micro air data probe configurations. Probe geometry, heaters, power and communications options are confirmed at quotation.

Probe type	7-plus-1 hole probe with true local static pressure and integrated electronics
Measurements	Three velocity components, static pressure, pressure altitude, relative humidity and temperature
Data acquisition	1 kHz equivalent, streamed over RS-485
Pressure range	From 160 Pa full scale; a wide range of scales is available
Total uncertainty	Approximately 0.5% of full scale
Absolute pressure sensor	300 to 1100 mbar full scale
Relative humidity sensor	0% to 100% RH, ±1%
Temperature compensation	-40°C to +70°C; external temperatures as low as -80°C are possible with heaters installed
Sensor package	Approximately 25 mm diameter by 60 mm long; fits inside a 25 mm pipe
Probe sting	Diameters down to 2 mm OD
Communications	RS-485 network of up to 16 probes, with an RS-485-to-USB converter included; USB or RS232 streaming to a PC; external trigger and clock ports for synchronization
Power	5 to 24 VDC; current depends on the heaters installed
Options	Sting and case heaters, birdstrike armour, battery power with a wireless telemetry module, MIL-spec connector, custom enclosure, calibration service

Why K-Tec Systems

More Than a Probe Supplier

K-Tec Systems manufactures the sensing and cabling around the probe in Ferndale, Michigan, so one U.S. team can support the whole measurement chain, from thermocouples and RTDs to wire harnesses.

Manufactured and supported in the U.S.

K-Tec Systems builds custom thermocouples, RTDs, wire harnesses and test stands at our Ferndale, Michigan, facility. The probe, the temperature sensing and the cabling can be specified together, with one U.S. team behind the order.

Flow and temperature at the same point

K-Tec thermocouples and RTDs can be integrated into compatible probe designs, so total pressure and temperature are measured at the same location.

Registered for government and defense work

CAGE Code 4W0S0. WBENC and WOSB certified woman-owned small business. CMMC Level 2.

Thermocouples produced to ISO/IEC 17025 standards

Thermocouples for your test article are produced to ISO/IEC 17025 standards at K-Tec Systems.

Applications

Where Micro Air Data Probes Are Used

UAV flight instrumentation

Probe and sensor geometries for small and medium unmanned aircraft, where precise velocity and state data support flight control.

Wind tunnel testing

Small sting diameters and a networked RS-485 interface suit rake and multipoint measurements.

Motorsport

A probe with extra sensitivity to yaw angle for track wind information, with heaters for use in wet conditions.

FAQ

Micro Air Data Probes: Frequently Asked Questions

What does a micro air data probe measure?

Three components of velocity, static pressure, pressure altitude, relative humidity and temperature, with an inertial sensor for alignment and vibration warning.

Can it be used in icing or rain?

Sting and case heaters are optional and are intended for de-icing, wet conditions and low-temperature operation. Heaters increase current draw, so confirm the power budget at quotation.

How many probes can run on one network?

Up to 16 probes can be chained on one RS-485 network. An RS-485-to-USB converter with a user panel interface is included with every system.

Can it fly on a UAV?

It is available in probe and sensor geometries for small and medium UAVs, with battery power and wireless telemetry options. Confirm the flight configuration, mass and power for your aircraft at quotation.

How do I order one?

Contact K-Tec Systems with your application, aircraft or test article, and installation constraints. Configuration, lead time and price are confirmed at quotation. For related products see drone and unmanned systems.

Not sure which probe fits your test? See the full probe range or call 248-414-4100.

Other Probe Types

All probes are supplied in the U.S. by K-Tec Systems. Scroll or use the arrows to see every probe type, or visit the fluid measurement probes overview.