New Avionics Corp. has introduced an in-flight ice sensor made entirely of plastic.
The Model 9732-UAV ice detecting transducer probe solves the problem of conductive metallic interference with mission-critical radio antennas on unmanned aerial vehicles and other small aircraft, according to officials at the Fort Lauderdale-based company. The sensor is transparent to radio frequencies.
The sensor body consists of Delrin and Acrylic plastics. The only metal in the entire sensor assembly is in the necessary wires to connect it to its host system, officials add.
RF transparency and the elimination of all metal parts is necessary because of a requirement to install the sensor in close proximity to mission-critical GPS and other types of radio antennas.
The sensor can be installed virtually anywhere on an aircraft fuselage, at any angle of attack, raked forward or aft, and any orientation of the sensor air gap. The only requirement is that the air gap be located beyond the airflow boundary layer.
The sensor measures 1½ inches long by ¼ inch diameter. It weighs less than 10 grams. It features an ice detection threshold of 0.001 inch of ice or better. This sensitivity alerts operators and pilots to the aircraft’s presence in an icing domain, and allows them to take early corrective action, long before ice builds to become any kind of hazard to aircraft in flight.
For more information: NewAvionics.com.
