A Windtuner Sphere-Shaped Five-Hole Probe
Accurate Sensing
The five-hole differential airspeed probe uses five precisely arranged pressure ports to capture dynamic pressure, static pressure, and flow direction at the same time. With a dynamic pressure range of 0–245 hPa, a static pressure range of 200–1100 hPa, and angle of attack and sideslip angle coverage of ±30°, the probe delivers comprehensive aerodynamic information. Its overall accuracy reaches ≤0.2% FS for pressure parameters and ≤±0.5° for angular measurements, providing UAV flight control systems with a complete and reliable picture of the surrounding airflow.During flight, the probe converts real-time pressure data into airspeed, altitude, and attitude-related parameters that feed directly into the control loop. These inputs drive attitude stabilization, trajectory tracking, and autonomous navigation. In turbulent air, gusty wind fields, or rapidly changing weather conditions, this level of measurement fidelity becomes essential for maintaining controlled and predictable flight behavior.
Intelligent Engineering for Challenging Operations
UAVs routinely experience wide temperature variations during climb and descent. Windtuner integrates a high/low-temperature AI compensation algorithm into its five-hole differential airspeed probe to address temperature-induced sensor drift. Across an operating range from −35 °C to +55 °C, this algorithm actively corrects temperature effects, maintaining consistent accuracy throughout the full flight envelope.Besides thermal effects, Windtuner applies a variable-Mach-number three-dimensional non-opposing linear interpolation algorithm, developed from extensive experimental data and an expert knowledge database accumulated over years of testing. This approach delivers accurate airflow velocity solutions at arbitrary flow angles. As a result, UAVs retain dependable air data during high-angle-of-attack maneuvers, crosswind takeoff and landing, and other demanding flight states, giving flight control systems the trustworthy inputs they require.
Practical Value and Enhancements
UAV performance can differ greatly in operations, depending on the comprehensive accuracy of the five-hole differential airspeed probe used. Probe performance specification accounts for aerodynamic errors at large angles of attack and sideslip, sensor uncertainty, and data conversion effects. This means that even during aggressive maneuvers such as turns, climbs, and descents, the probe continues to deliver accurate airflow parameters.The probe has also passed weapon equipment quality management system certification, demonstrating its reliability and stability under harsh operational conditions. For mission-critical UAV applications such as reconnaissance, surveillance, and target positioning, accurate airspeed measurement directly influences mission success and flight safety.
As UAV applications continue to expand, flight perception systems face increasingly stringent demands. High-accuracy airspeed probes represent a clear direction for future development—smarter algorithms, stronger environmental adaptability, and higher reliability. With continuous refinement of AI compensation methods and expert databases, Windtuner advances five-hole differential airspeed probe technology toward superior performance in complex flow conditions, supporting the next generation of intelligent and resilient unmanned flight systems.
