Radiant has introduced its new Angle Of Attack (AOA) device, which provides a visual aid of the aircraft’s current AOA.
The new product, designed to mount on the leading edge of an experimental aircraft, is available with a generic mount. A top side mount for low-wing Sonex aircraft is also available, according to company officials.
When viewed in flight, the responsiveness to pitch change is immediate, and the vane position precisely shows the changes in airflow and AOA.
In this video, James Wiebe, CEO of Radiant, manipulates the pitch of the aircraft, causing the AOA vane to show the effect.
“Our new Visual AOA provides direct visual feedback to the aircraft’s Angle Of Attack,” Weibe said. “Any pitch change or power change is immediately reflected in the indication.”
The product is supplied in unpainted form. The vane is balanced at the factory, “allowing super-smooth indications while in clear or in bumpy air,” according to company officials. “The extension tube is ultralight and stiff carbon fiber, available in 50cm or 100cm lengths. Finally, the entire assembly may be removed on the ground to prevent accidental breakage.”
If the user desires, it is possible to mount the carbon fiber shaft in any 10mm hole, eliminating the need for a mount.
The product may be purchased on RADIANT’s website at: RadiantInstruments.com. Prices for the carbon fiber shaft, ball-bearing head and balanced vane start at $99.95. Different versions of the mount are an additional $59.95.
For more information: RadiantInstruments.com
Great seat of your pants idea!