Sentronics

Sentronics is the global leader in portable ultrasonic fluid flow monitoring technology. Originally developed and homologated for use in the world’s premier motorsport championships, the company’s technology has also been specifically adapted to the exacting requirements of the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) sector.

High-accuracy fuel consumption measurement for UAVs

Sentronics’ flow meters provide highly accurate real-time fuel monitoring capabilities with extremely low latency, measuring consumption rate and total consumed fuel mass/volume with industry-leading precision. This critical data is essential for commercial and defense drone platforms alike, allowing flight management systems to dynamically calculate range and endurance based on current usage.

Thanks to the company’s innovative technology, UAV operators can optimize mission strategies, monitor engine performance trends over time, and predict maintenance requirements, providing a significant boost to overall fleet efficiency and reliability.

Key benefits of Sentronics flow measurement technology

Sentronics’ revolutionary ultrasonic flow meter technology provides a number of key advantages for a wide variety of platform types, ranging from small tactical drones to heavy-lift cargo UAVs.

Accuracy – Sentronics fuel flow meters deliver exceptional precision with accuracies better than ±0.75% of reading, paired with outstanding repeatability. The result is ultra-reliable data that empowers users to confidently make mission-critical decisions.

Compact & Lightweight – The low-SWaP (size, weight and power) sensors are designed to be ultra-compact and lightweight, typically weighing less than 150g. This ensures minimal impact on the UAV’s payload budget and performance envelope.

True Multi-Fuel Capability – Sentronics sensors offer a standout advantage by maintaining consistent, high-precision measurement across a wide range of fuel types — including gasoline, kerosene, diesel, Jet-A1, and JP fuels — without requiring recalibration or fuel-specific configuration.

Zero Pressure Drop – The non-intrusive, zero-pressure drop design delivers minimal friction and ensures no impact on engine efficiency.

RealFlow® D-Series

Ultra-compact high-accuracy ultrasonic flow meters for UAVs

The RealFlow® D-Series is Sentronics’ flagship product line for the UAV and unmanned systems market, featuring an innovative inline design that allows the sensors to be easily and seamlessly integrated into virtually any airframe. Incorporating a patented anti-aliasing technique, the D-series can accurately quantify even the most dynamic of flows.

The innovative sensors feature integrated data logging, sensor health checking, remote bootloading, and advanced diagnostic data output. Easy interfacing with a variety of drone flight controllers is possible via standard protocols such as CAN, DroneCAN, and TTL.

The rugged units are designed in accordance with MIL-STD-461G, DEF-STAN 59-41 and RTCA-DO-160G and are also IP67-rated, ensuring reliable performance under highly demanding operational conditions. A choice of standard aviation fittings is available, including -4AN Male or -6AN Male connectors.

The D-Series currently includes two models: