Integrated air data sensors

Avionics Specialties in partnership with Honeywell has developed an integra ted ail data pressure sensor known as the integrated multi-function probe ( IMFP). This continuously flow-aligned pressure-sensing device was developed using a multidisciplinary design approach encompassing computational fluid dynamic, (CFD), flow analysis, and experimentation. The computational inve stigation was performed using the finite clement code, CFDesign, by Blue Ri dge Numerics and consisted of pressure distribution studies for varying flo ws around conical sections. The application and integration of tills techno logy to previously developed now alignment a,ld pressure transducing produc ts lead to design similarity analysis saving considerable development time. Initial experimentation used to develop and refine the design and analysis consisted of laboratory bench testing, low and high-speed wind tunnel inve stigations, and subsonic flight-testing. Final performance verification was accomplished through data reduction and analysis of an extensive night tes t program using a Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon. The analysis, desig n and performance verification of this innovative pressure-sensing device w as investigated for direct comparison to conventional Pitot-static performa nce with particular emphasis toward military fighter aircraft applications.