Multifunction Air Data Systems

ADS-12

The ADS-12 air data system is a highly integrated multi-function air data probe. The design is based on Simtec’s ADP-55 heated five-hole air data probe that is used on many UAVs, RPAs, prototypes, technology demonstrator aircraft and power airborne wind energy system (tethered aircraft). Furthermore the ADP-55 is used to gather flight critical air data on flight-test aircraft and helicopters.

The ADS-12 integrates the pitot probe, static ports, total temperature probe, angle of attack probe, angle of side-slip probe, transducers, electronics and air data computer into one unit. Due to the design of the 5-hole probe no damageable moving parts are needed for the measurement of the flow angles.

All sensors are positioned close to the place of measurement and all sensor data is directly digitized. This enhances system accuracy, eliminates system lag and increases reliability. Furthermore installation and maintenance is greatly simplified. Complicate plumbing, wiring and drainage is not necessary. The whole system is easily replaceable. Digitized data is provided to other avionics systems via the ARINC 429 data-bus.

Due to the high integration the device is compact, light-weight and easy to install. The system needs no static port on the fuselage. The complexity to achieve high accuracy is greatly simplified (no surface measurement and skin waviness checks needed).

For further details contact Simtec AG.

Measurement Functions

The ADS-12 provides the following flight relevant air data:

  • Altitude (computed from static pressure)
  • Airspeed (computed from impact pressure)
  • Angle of Attack (AoA, computed from the 5-hole probe)
  • Angle of Side-slip (AoS, computed from the 5-hole probe)
  • Total Air Temperature via a separate OAT-probe

Target Market

  • Tactical UAV, MALE UAV, Rotary Wing UAV
  • Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA)
  • High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS)
  • eVTOL Aircraft

Optimized Version for eVTOL

Most eVTOL aircraft have tight space and weight constraints. Simtec is working on a L-shaped ADS-12 version with a considerably smaller ADC-box and lower weight. The eVTOL version builds on the same 5-hole probe and software stack but features smaller micro38999 connectors and a streamlined data interface. Contact Simtec for details.

Key Features

  • Provides calibrated and aerodynamically corrected air data at very high accuracy
  • Sends data over the ARINC 429 and RS-485 data interface
  • Has smart regulated de-icing and drainage capability
  • Features RS-485 (USB) test and maintenance access via portable computer

Line Replaceable Units (LRU)

The ADS-12 replaces several air data instruments with one line replaceable unit (LRU). This offers the following advantages:

  • The total weight is considerably reduced as the ADS-12 integrates the pitot-probe, the static probe, the air data computer (ADC), the angle of attack probe and the angle of side-slip probe within one unit.
  • The installation space and weight requirements are reduced.
  • Complex routing of the pressure tubes and drain points is not necessary.
  • Less wiring and connectors are required.
  • The maintenance is reduced considerably (less parts, simplified leakage checks).
  • The power consumption can be reduced considerably as only one probe has to be heated.

Configurations

The ADS-12 system has a very modular design and will be adapted to the specific needs of each customer. Factors such as the exact installation location (wing, side of fuselage, front of fuselage, T-tail), type of installation (L-shape, boom, integrated, split-design), maximum airspeed, application area (light-weight versus heavy duty) and others will have a great influence on the final appearance, dimensions and design of the installation.

Ground Support Equipment