Launched during this year’s XPO USA, the RealFlow® D-Series from Sentronics is a range of ultra-compact ultrasonic fuel flow sensors designed to provide high-accuracy real-time fuel monitoring for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) operating in demanding environments.
RealFlow® d450
Engineered for both commercial and defense applications, the configurable D-Series range covers flow rates from 20 ml/min to 20 l/min, allowing manufacturers and system integrators to select solutions tailored to specific engine sizes and mission profiles. The platform was developed to maintain measurement accuracy in dynamic flight environments where vibration, acceleration, and rapidly changing flow conditions typically challenge sensing performance.
Featuring a compact, lightweight form factor that fits within the palm of a hand, the sensors are designed for integration into size- and weight-constrained platforms. The adaptable architecture supports a variety of platform designs, fuel system layouts, and mission requirements.
Based on Sentronics’ patented measurement algorithm, the D-Series contains no moving parts and provides zero flow impedance and pressure drop. The sensors achieve measurement accuracies better than ±0.75% of reading across a wide range of flow rates, fluid temperatures, and fuel compositions. This high-fidelity data supports endurance modeling, flight path optimization, and system validation.
The sensors are compatible with multiple fuel types, including gasoline, kerosene, diesel, Jet A-1, AVGAS, JP-5, JP-8, biodiesel, and sustainable biofuel, without requiring recalibration or fuel-specific components. This capability supports consistent performance for platforms operating in diverse climatic and logistical conditions.
Featuring a Low-SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) profile, the D-Series is suitable for aircraft ranging from compact tactical units to larger systems focused on high endurance or heavy payloads. The IP67-rated sensors are designed to conform to MIL-STD-461G, DEF-STAN 59-41, and RTCA-DO-160G standards, and can interface with a variety of drone flight controllers via standard protocols such as CAN, DroneCAN, and TTL.
The sensors also feature integrated data logging, sensor health checking, and advanced diagnostic data output. They are ideal for use with cloud-based fuel management solutions, offering remote operating system uploads and firmware updates.
According to Sentronics Managing Director, Neville Meech, “The RealFlow D-Series represents the culmination of over a decade of continuous refinement of Sentronics’ patented ultrasonic technology, as proven in the extreme NVH environment of topline international motorsport. We have applied our considerable fuel system measurement experience to deliver a new generation of ultra-accurate, highly robust ultrasonic fuel flow meters optimized for UAV applications.”
For more information about the RealFlow® D-Series ultrasonic fuel flow sensors, visit the Sentronics product page >>
