An anemometer for UAS-based atmospheric wind measurements

Abstract

A low-cost, multi-hole pressure probe for Unmanned Aircraft System airborne flow measurements was developed and tested. The ability of the probe to accurately measure wind direction, velocity magnitude and turbulence intensity in a range of flow conditions was verified against commercially available sensors. The feasibility of applying a general calibration to several probes and maintaining acceptable accuracy and repeatability was also investigated. The prototype system demonstrated acceptable accuracy for atmospheric wind measurements. Assessing the effectiveness of a generic calibration demonstrated initial positive results, however a larger sample size is required.