Aerospace sensor types | Sensors in Aerospace and Aviation industry

This article covers Aerospace sensors types and their functions. It mentions benefits of Aerospace sensors and manufacturers of sensors used in Aerospace and aviation industry for various operations.

Introduction: The future of aviation industry holds exciting possibilities due to increase in air travel across the globe. This includes development of electric and hybrid electric aircrafts, biofuels, autonomous flight systems, urban air mobility, supersonic and hypersonic aircraft systems, digital transformation and so on.

The advancements in technology and adoption of data analytics, machine learning and connectivity enable real-time monitoring of aircraft systems, predictive maintenance and enhanced passenger experiences.

Why Aerospace sensors are needed ?

There are numerous sensors used in aerospace domain which offers enhanced capabilities, improved safety and more efficient operations. These aviation sensors provide valuable data and insights which help in flight operations, flight maintenance and monitoring and control. Following are some of the reasons why sensors are required in aviation or aerospace industries.
• Sensors play crucial role to ensure safety of aircrafts, crew and passengers. They provide real time data on various parameters which include airspeed surrounding aircraft, altitude, attitude, position etc.
• They offer accurate navigation and guidance with the help of sensors such as GPS receivers and IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units). These sensors provide informations such as aircraft position, velocity and orientation which allows pilots to follow precise flight paths, avoid obstacles and maintain proper course.
• Sensors help to optimize fuel efficiency and detects any abnormalities and ensure that aircraft is operating within safe and efficient limits.
• Sensors monitor environmental conditions both outside and inside of the aircraft. They measure cabin pressure, temperature, humidity, air quality and detect any potential hazards like fire or smoke.
• They provide maintenance and diagnostics related timely notifications based on continuous measurements which prevents potential failures.
• Aerospace sensors monitor weather conditions such as turbulence, storms, icing or wind shear. This information is used during flight planning and route optimization to ensure safefy.
• Imaging sensors such as cameras or infrared sensors are used for surveillance, search and rescue operations or monitoring critical regions.

Types of Aerospace Sensors

Following are the commonly used Aerospace sensors types for various functions in aviation industry for flight operations and maintenance.
• Air data sensor : It measures various parameters of air surrounding the aircraft such as airspeed, altitude, static pressure, air temperature etc.
• Pitot tube : It measures dynamic pressure of airflow to determine airspeed of the aircraft.
• AHRS (Attitude and Heading Reference System) : It functions as motion sensor which contains an IMU and CPU (Central Processing Unit). IMU consists of 3 gyroscopes, 3 accelerometers and 3 magnetometers. It provides aircraft's attitude (roll, pitch and yaw) and heading as typical data outputs.
• IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) : It measures acceleration, angular rate, magnetic field strength to determine orientation, position and velocity of an aircraft.
• GPS receiver : It receives signals from network of satellites to provide accurate positioning and navigation information.
• Magnetometer : It measures magnetic field of the Earth to determine the heading and orientation of aircraft.
• Gyroscope : It measures angular rate of rotation around different axes to determine aircraft's attitude and rate of turn.
• Altimeter : It measures altitude of aircraft based on atmospheric pressure variations.
• Temperature sensor : It monitors temperature variations within aircraft's systems and its components.
• Load cell : It measures forces and loads experienced by aircraft structures such as wings or landing gears.
• Proximity sensor : It detects presence or distance of objects in vicinity of the aircraft which is useful for collision avoidance systems.
• Radar systems : It utilizes radio frequency waves to detect and track objects including other aircrafts, terrain, weather phenomena etc.
• Imaging sensors : It captures visual data for surveillance, navigation or inspection purposes.
• Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) : It measures distances using laser light which is used for terrain mapping, obstacle detection and navigation.
• IR (Infrared) sensor : It detects thermal radiation to identify heat signatures which is useful for target tracking and missile warning systems.
• Ultrasonic sensor : It uses sound waves to measure distance which is used for altimetry and obstacle detection in close proximity.
• Fuel flow sensor : It measures rate of fuel consumption to monitor fuel usage and optimize efficiency.
• Oxygen sensor : It monitors oxygen levels in the aircraft systems which is very useful for pressurized cabins and life support systems.
• Air quality sensor : It measures parameters such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and volatile organic components to monitor air quality in cabin.
• AoA (Angle of Attack) sensor : It measures angle between aircraft's longitudinal axis and relative wind direction. It provides important information about aircraft's aerodynamic performance, stall conditions and lift capabilities.
• Airborne Weather radar : It detects and provides informations about precipitation such as rain, snow or hail as well as thunderstorms and turbulence. It helps aircraft pilots navigate around hazardous weather conditions.
• Ice detection sensor : It monitors presence of ice or icing conditions on aircraft's surfaces mainly its wings and tail. Once it is detected, sensors warn or activate anti-icing systems.
• Engine sensors : These sensors monitor various engine parameters including temperature, pressure, vibration, fuel flow etc. These parameters provide very useful information to monitor engine performance, fault detection and to ensure optimal operation.
• Fuel quantity sensor : It measures amount of fuel in the aircraft's fuel tank. This allows pilots and crew to monitor fuel levels and manage fuel consumption.
• Cabin presssure sensor : It monitors pressure inside cabin which ensures safe and comfortable environment and assists to control pressurization system (if needed).
• Smoke detection sensor : It detects presence of smoke or fire within aircraft's compartments, avionics bays or cargo holds. This triggers alarms for emergency procedures if needed.
• Weight on wheels sensor : It detects whether aircraft is on the ground or in-flight. This information is essential to control various aircraft systems such as landing gear, thrust reversers or braking systems.
• Synthetic vision system (SVS) sensors : These sensors help in creating virtual representation of outside environment. SVS sensors include GPS, terrain databases and attitude sensors. This information is required during low visibility conditions.
• Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) : It monitors aircraft's proximity to terrain with the help of GPS and radar altimeters. This is used to provide warnings or alerts to pilots to prevent accidents.

Aerospace Sensors Manufacturers

Following table mentions few of the manufacturers of Aerospace sensors used for various operations.

There are many more manufacturers of aerospace sensors which include Moog Inc, Raytheon Intelligence & Space, Curtiss-Wright Corporation etc.

Benefits of Aerospace Sensors

Following are the advantages or benefits of aerospace sensors.
➨Sensors enhance safety by providing real time data on flight parameters, environmental conditions and system health.
➨Sensors such as GPS and IMUs enable accurate and more reliable flight navigation and positioning.
➨Sensors help in maintaining safety, responsiveness and optimal control during various flight phases.
➨Sensors play critical role in monitoring and optimizing performance of aircraft systems such as engines, fuel consumption and aerodynamics.
➨They can detect early signs of anomalies by monitoring performance of aircraft components and systems.
➨They provide valuable information for situational awareness such as weather conditions, detection of obstacles or terrain and identifying potential threats etc. which assist pilots in decision making.

Aerospace sensors are widely available from various manufacturers at affordable rates for different applications in aviation industry. Aerospace sensors are essential to collect accurate and reliable data necessary for safe and efficient flight operations which enhances overall situational awareness for pilots and ATCs (air traffic controllers). They are also used to monitor aircraft systems and to ensure passenger comfort.

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