Yaw Pitots
Dynamic pressure and wind yaw angle from a single probe, for on-vehicle testing and road-to-tunnel correlation.
Wind Speed and Yaw Angle in One Instrument
A yaw pitot measures dynamic pressure and wind yaw angle together, and improves the dynamic and static pressure measurement as yaw changes. Aerodynamic forces are strongly influenced by yaw, which can reach double digits in ambient wind. Without measuring it accurately on the road, wind tunnel and CFD data cannot be correlated.
Yaw pitots are used in Formula 1 and are finding increasing application in other industries, from heavy haulage trucks to elite cycling. They are produced by DMLS, and K-Tec Systems quotes and supplies them in the United States.
At a Glance
- Accuracy ±0.25%
- Flow angle up to ±30°
- Minimum probe head diameter 3.6 mm
- Stainless steel, Inconel or titanium, to 980°C
- Individual wind-tunnel calibration
Yaw Pitots Specifications
Manufacturer specifications for standard yaw pitot configurations. Extended-range and custom options, material and lead time are confirmed at quotation.
| Accuracy | ±0.25% |
|---|---|
| Flow angle | Up to ±30° |
| Maximum temperature | 980°C |
| Minimum probe head diameter | 3.6 mm |
| Materials | Stainless steel (typical), Inconel (high temperature), titanium (weight-critical) |
| Manufacturing method | Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), customizable to mounting requirements |
| Calibration | Individual calibration across five speeds over the full operating angle range; supplied as lookup tables |
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.
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Thermocouples produced to ISO/IEC 17025 standards
Thermocouples for your test article are produced to ISO/IEC 17025 standards at K-Tec Systems.
Where Yaw Pitots Are Used
Motorsport
Formula 1 and other high-level motorsport aerodynamic testing.
Heavy vehicles
Road testing of heavy haulage trucks in ambient wind.
Road-to-tunnel correlation
Measured yaw lets wind tunnel and CFD data be compared with real driving conditions.
Yaw Pitots: Frequently Asked Questions
What does a yaw pitot measure?
A yaw pitot measures dynamic pressure and wind yaw angle simultaneously, and improves the dynamic and static pressure measurement as yaw varies.
Why does yaw angle matter for vehicle testing?
Aerodynamic forces depend heavily on yaw, and ambient wind can easily produce yaw angles in the double digits. Without measuring yaw on the road, wind tunnel or CFD results cannot be accurately correlated with real-world data.
What accuracy and angle range do yaw pitots offer?
Accuracy is ±0.25% with flow angles up to ±30°. Minimum probe head diameter is 3.6 mm and maximum operating temperature is 980°C.
How are yaw pitots calibrated?
Each probe is supplied with its own calibration from the manufacturer’s in-house wind tunnel, covering five separate speeds over the full operating angle range. The calibration is provided as lookup tables designed for fast processing.
What materials are available, and can the probe be customized?
Yaw pitots are typically stainless steel. Inconel is available for operating temperatures up to 980°C and titanium for weight-critical applications. The DMLS process makes the probes easy to customize to your mounting requirements.
Should I choose a yaw pitot or a 5-hole probe?
A yaw pitot suits on-vehicle and on-track work where dynamic pressure and yaw angle are the key quantities. A 5-hole probe is the better choice when you need the full three-dimensional flow vector with static pressure and pitch as well.
How do I request a quote?
Call 248-414-4100 or submit the request form below with your vehicle, mounting and speed requirements.
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. Visit the fluid measurement probes overview.
5-Hole Probes
Full three-dimensional flow vector measurement: total pressure, static pressure, yaw and pitch, at flow angles up to ±45°.
View 5-Hole Probes
Kiel Probes
Total pressure measurement accurate to ±0.1% at flow angles up to ±50°, in tip diameters from 1.6 mm and temperatures to 980°C.
View Kiel Probes
Kiel Rakes
Arbitrarily shaped Kiel probe arrays for simultaneous total pressure measurement at multiple points.
View Kiel RakesRequest a Quote or Application Review
K-Tec Systems provides U.S. sales, application support and order coordination for Yaw Pitots. Contact us to discuss your test requirements.
Contact K-Tec Systems