A counter-propagating laser air speed sensor system for aircraft

Joe Kurtz, Sven M. Wittig, Sean O’Byrne

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation of the applicability of a counter-propagating laser air speed sensor (COPLASS) system to measure air flow velocity in the subsonic-to-transonic aircraft flight regimes. The system uses the Doppler shift of an absorption line in the A-band of molecular oxygen near 760 nm, combined with an independent measurement of the static pressure, to determine the true air speed. The experimental arrangement allows for the possibility of fully analog signal-processing, while the size and weight of the system would be appropriate for most commercial aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicles flying today. Static pressure and velocity regimes were investigated in wind tunnel tests from static pressures of 20 to 150 kPa (altitude equivalent 40,000 feet to sub sea-level) and air speeds from 5 to 380 m/s. We conclude that COPLASS is a viable instrument for measuring true air speed in these aircraft flight regimes.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication31st AIAA Aerodynamic Measurement Technology and Ground Testing Conference
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc. (AIAA)
ISBN (Print)9781624103643
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes
Event31st AIAA Aerodynamic Measurement Technology and Ground Testing Conference, 2015 - Dallas, United States
Duration: 22 Jun 201526 Jun 2015

Publication series

Name31st AIAA Aerodynamic Measurement Technology and Ground Testing Conference

Conference

Conference31st AIAA Aerodynamic Measurement Technology and Ground Testing Conference, 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDallas
Period22/06/1526/06/15

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A counter-propagating laser air speed sensor system for aircraft'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this