Rugged Ultrasonic Wind Sensors for UAVs/Drones & Ground Control Stations

FT Technologies

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FT Technologies is a specialist designer and manufacturer of high-performance Acoustic Resonance wind sensors, also known as anemometers. Our products are compact, lightweight and deliver reliable wind speed and direction data in the toughest of climates and weather conditions.

The small footprint, light weight and ease of integration of our sensors make them ideal for meteorological applications in the defense and aerospace sectors, such as on board unmanned vehicles and at UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) ground launch and recovery stations. The sensors achieve high accuracy within the measured air speed range of 0-75m/s, and have been used as a pitot tube replacement on fixed-wing UAVs. With full 360° air speed direction measurement, they are ideal for station-keeping and hovering on quad-rotor UAVs, as well as dynamic positioning control in gusty and turbulent environments.

We are ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, and all of our sensors undergo a rigorous battery of vibration and shock, waterproofing and sealing, temperature and EMC tests to ensure reliable service, even in the harshest of environments.

FT205 Lightweight Wind Sensor for UAVs

The FT205 is a lightweight high-performance wind sensor designed specifically for UAV applications. Manufactured from a graphite and nylon composite, and weighing only 100g (3.5oz) with low power requirements, the sensor is ideal for flight control and environmental monitoring applications on SWaP-limited platforms.

The compact size and shape provides the FT205 with a physically strong structure. The sensor is resistant to electrical interference and is also fully sealed and water-resistant. It is able to operate at altitudes up to 4000m and at temperatures between -20°C and +70°C.

The ultrasonic sensor provides highly accurate wind speed, wind direction and air temperature data, and also features a built-in compass. It can be mounted to either to a pole or to flat surface.

: Surface Mount

: Pole Mount

: I/O Connector

FT205 Features & Specifications:

Wind speed measurement	0-75m/s (0-270km/h, 0-145 knots)
Wind speed resolution	0.1m/s (0.1km/h, 0.1 knots)
Wind speed accuracy	±0.3m/s (0-16m/s), ±2% (16-40m/s), ±4% (40-75m/s)
Wind direction range	0 to 360°
Wind direction resolution	1°
Wind direction accuracy	4° RMS
Acoustic temperature resolution	0.1°C RMS
Acoustic temperature accuracy	±2°C
Compass accuracy	5° RMS
Data update rate	10Hz
Height	55.1mm
Diameter	56.4mm
Weight	100g
Temperature range	-20° to +70°C (operational), -40° to +85°C (storage)
Supply voltage	6V to 30V DC
Current draw	30mA typical

More Information: FT205 Lightweight Wind Sensor for UAVs

FT742 Wind Sensor for Drones & GCS

The FT742 wind sensor is capable of measuring wind speeds up to 75m/s. It features an innovative design that incorporates a series of “turbulators” to condition the air flow for optimal operation.

With a lightweight, anodized aluminum construction that is corrosion-resistant and sealed to IP66/67 standard, and incorporating a powerful thermostatically-controlled de-icing system, the FT742 is a rugged maintenance-free sensor that operates to the highest standards even under the most extreme of conditions. Find out more…

FT742-SM – Surface Mount Wind Sensor

The FT742-SM (Surface Mount) features a built-in compass and is designed to be integrated on moving vehicles. Small, low power, extremely rugged, and weighing only 252g, the FT742-SM is extensively tested and certified for vibration and shock resistance.

The sensor achieves high accuracy within the measured air speed range of 0-75m/s, and has been used as a pitot tube replacement on fixed-wing UAVs.

With full 360° air speed direction measurement, the SM enables station-keeping and hovering on quad-rotor UAV’s, as well as dynamic positioning control in gusty and turbulent environments.

More Information: FT742-SM Surface Mount Wind Sensor

FT742-DM – Direct Mount Wind Sensor

The FT742-DM (Direct Mount) has been designed to mount on a standard 33.7mm pipe. With a 12-30VDC power supply range, the DM is ideal for permanent, portable or rapidly-deployable weather stations used to monitor wind speed and direction conditions for UAV take-off and landing.

More Information: FT742-DM Direct Mount Wind Sensor

FT742 Features & Specifications:

Wind speed measurement	0-75m/s (0-270km/h, 0-145 knots)
Wind speed resolution	0.1m/s (0.36km/h, 0.19 knots)
Wind speed accuracy	±0.3m/s (0-16m/s), ±2% (16-40m/s), ±4% (40-75m/s)
Wind direction range	0 to 360°
Wind direction resolution	1°
Wind direction accuracy	4° RMS
Compass accuracy	(SM): 5° RMS
Data update rate	10Hz
Height	71mm (SM), 162mm (DM)
Weight	252g (SM), 380g (DM)
Temperature range	-40° to +85°C (operating and storage)
Heater temperature range	0° to 55°C
Supply voltage	20-30VDC, or down to 6V (SM) or 12V (DM) battery operation with reduced heater capacity
Current draw	(SM): 25mA at 24VDC (29mA with compass enabled) without heater, up to 2A with heater (DM): 31mA at 24VDC without heater, up to 6A with heater
Heater power	(SM): 48W max at 24VDC (60W at 30VDC) (DM): 99W max

ACU-RES® Technology

All FT Technologies wind sensors are powered by Acu-Res®, our patented solid-state technology for measuring wind speed and direction. Acu-Res® resonates an ultrasonic acoustic wave inside a small cavity, resulting in a signal-to-noise ratio that is more than 40dB stronger than other ultrasonic technologies.

A stronger signal means more reliable data – Acu-Res® features automatic compensation for temperature, humidity and pressure to maintain maximal response. The powerful Acu-Res® software also monitors the quality of the data, continuously checks the health of the sensor’s sub-systems and dynamically controls the heater power to maintain ice-free operation.