Air Data
System
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An air data system utilizes the pitot-static system
and is found on more sophisticated aircraft.
It measures processes, and converts
aerodynamic and thermodynamic sensations
into:
electrical signals,
synchro-outputs, or
digital codes.
GENERAL
Aircraft constantly encounter atmosphere
pressure changes as they climb, descend,
accelerate or decelerate.
The pitot-static system - sensitive to airspeed,
altitude, and rates of altitude change - provides
the pressure information displayed on cabin
instrumentation.
An outside air temperature sensor must be
installed for air data systems.
PRINCIPLES
A pitot-static system supplies air pressure sensations directly to
differential pressure flight instruments for the measurement of
aircraft speed and altitude, as shown in the figure Dual Pitot-Static
System.
The static line vents the pitot-static instruments to the outside, or
ambient, air pressure through the static port. The static port may
be located in various places on different types of aircraft and more
than one port may be used.
Regardless of location, the port is always positioned so the plane of
the opening is parallel to the relative air flow. By comparison, the
plane of the pitot tube opening is nearly perpendicular to the
relative wind. The pressure sensed at the static ports is transferred
to the cabin instruments by a tube.
The air data system may be used to activate differential
pressure flight instruments and to provide information
to numerous other aircraft systems.
It may incorporate features such as:
Separate systems to drive the pilot and co-pilot
displays, with comparison monitoring between
both systems;
Self-test circuits; and
Internal failure-monitoring circuits.
COMPONENTS:
•A basic air data system consists of the following components:
• Sensors. Sensors measure ambient atmosphere
surrounding the aircraft. All systems use a pitot tube, static
ports, and temperature probe. More complex systems will
also make use of an angle of attack sensor;
• Transducers. Transducers convert the sensed pressure,
temperature, and angles to voltages, synchro outputs, or
digital pulses. The accuracy and performance of the
transducers govern the over-all efficiency of the entire
system;
• Computer.
Computer
A computer can be designed to perform a multitude of
functions, such as:
Calculating TAS, mach number, corrected static
pressure, and corrected outside air temperature,
Originating correction signals to transducers,
Driving displays,
Supplying signals to navigation computers,
Controlling aircraft pressurization, and
Providing inputs to automatic flight control systems
and engine fuel control units.
AIR DATA OUTPUTS
A complex air data system can supply a great number of
outputs, many of which may be electronic or mechanical
variations on the method of presenting one basic parameter
of flight (e.g., static pressure). Some of the common outputs
are:
Pressure Altitude. Sensed static pressure is corrected
to pressure altitude based on the ICAO Standard
Atmosphere;
Airspeed. May be presented as indicated airspeed or
converted into the true airspeed for use in DR
navigation or in Doppler and inertial navigation
systems;
AIR DATA OUTPUTS
Air Density. Computed according to elementary gas
laws and used for engine controls;
Mach-Number. Calculated from pitot and static
pressures;
Air Temperature. Corrected for frictional beating and
air compression at the temperature probe;
Angle of Attack. True angle of attack is attained by
correcting measured angle of attack for airspeed;
Rate of Change of Altitude and Speed. May be
calculated in the computer.
ANGLE-OF-ATTACK SYSTEM
The angle of attack is the angle measured between the
relative airflow and the wing chord line of an aircraft.
An angle-of-attack system may be used to:
Depict critical angles of attack during an approach
and landing;
Provide stall warning;
Assist in establishing optimum aircraft attitude for
specific conditions of flight, such as maximum range
or endurance; and
Verify airspeed indications or computations.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS:
An angle of attack system consists of the following components:
a) Sensors. One or more sensors; protrude into the relative
airflow. There are two common types (see Angle of Attack
Sensors figure below):
the vane acts like an airfoil and aligns itself with the
relative airflow;
the probe detects the relative airflow by sensing
differential pressure through ports or slots.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS:
b) Transducer. Both types of sensors, when aligning with the
relative airflow, generate a signal which is passed to the
cockpit indicator either directly or through an air data
system;
c) Indicators. Various display methods and cockpit indicators
are in use. The Angle of Attack Indicator shown on the right
gives one example. Information may be presented in the
form of actual angles, units or symbols;
d) Stall-Warning Devices. Most systems incorporate additional
devices, such as electrically operated , stick shakers' and/or
horns to warn of impending stalls and stick pushers which
activate if stall recovery action is not initiated.
