The Role of aircraft sensors in modern aviation flights

In modern aviation flights, various sensors are like the "five senses" of an aircraft, constantly sensing the flight environment and operational status, providing accurate information for pilots and flight control systems, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of the flight.Aircraft anti-icing sensor

01. Landing gear position sensor

The landing gear is a key component for aircraft takeoff and landing, and the accurate perception of its status is of vital importance. The aircraft landing gear position indication and warning system collects position signals through proximity sensors and sends them to the proximity switch electronic components (PSEU) : left and right main lift and retract lock sensors (4), left and right main lift and lower lock sensors (4), forward lift lower/retract lock sensors (2), and forward lift lower sensor (2).

The target design of these sensors enables the inductance to change when the sensor approaches the target, thereby triggering the corresponding signal. This design is not only simple and reliable, but also capable of accurately feedback the status of the landing gear in complex flight environments. Once the landing gear fails to retract or lower correctly, the pilot will promptly obtain information through the warning system and take corresponding measures to avoid possible accidents.

02. Flight status and environmental sensors

The flight status and environmental information of an aircraft are of vital importance to flight safety. Status sensors cover real-time position sensors for various moving components, aircraft status sensors, various parameter sensors, as well as icing sensors, fire alarm sensors, limit sensors, overload sensors, life sensors, and various automatic conversion sensors, etc. These sensors are like the "nerve endings" of the aircraft, monitoring all parts and systems of the aircraft in real time to ensure their normal operation.

Environmental sensors include accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetic compasses and barometric sensors, etc., which provide important information about the flight environment for the aircraft. For instance, an accelerometer can sense the changes in an aircraft's acceleration and assist pilots in determining their flight attitude. Gyroscopes are used to measure the angular velocity of aircraft to ensure the stability of flight. Fixed-wing or rotorcraft can also be equipped with sensors such as barometric altimeters, airtometers, optical odometers, vision systems, and ranging radars.

The design of the airspeed tube is particularly crucial. It is usually equipped with drainage holes and a heating function to prevent blockage due to water accumulation or freezing. When the aircraft is parked at the airport, the airspeed tube will be covered with a protective case to prevent insects or debris from entering. The protective case must be removed before the flight. If the airspeed tube malfunctions, is blocked by ice or the protective cover is not removed, it may result in the inability to display the correct flight speed reading, thereby causing serious accidents. Therefore, the maintenance and inspection of the airspeed tube is one of the important tasks before flight.

03. Angle of attack and side slip sensor

The Angle of attack refers to the Angle between the wingstrings of an aircraft and the airflow, and it is an important parameter during flight. If the Angle of attack is too large, the aircraft may lose lift and enter a stall state. To ensure flight safety, the vast majority of civil aircraft are equipped with stall warning systems, and the Angle of attack sensor is a key component of this system. It can monitor the changes in the Angle of attack in real time and issue a warning when the Angle of attack approaches the critical value, reminding the pilot to take measures.

The sideslip Angle sensor is used to monitor the sideslip condition of the aircraft. Sideslip refers to the flight state where the symmetrical plane of an aircraft does not align with the direction of the relative airflow. This is usually caused by crosswinds or the symmetrical plane of the aircraft deviating from the flight path during flight. In terms of operation, it is mainly caused by boarding the rudder too large, just like when a driver turns the steering wheel sharply at high speed, it will cause the car to sideslip.

The side slip Angle sensor is installed at the head of the aircraft, and its principle is similar to that of the wind vane type Angle of attack sensor. By monitoring the sideslip Angle, pilots can adjust their flight attitude in a timely manner to avoid flight accidents caused by sideslip.

Schematic diagram of the side slip Angle

04. Anti-icing sensor

Ice formation on an aircraft can reduce its handling stability and thereby endanger flight safety. At present, the vast majority of civil airliners are equipped with anti-icing sensors when they leave the factory. These sensors are usually located at the nose of the aircraft and installed perpendicularly to the nose skin.

Anti-icing detector

When in operation, the anti-icing detector is supplied with alternating current and vibrates at a specific frequency. When the aircraft enters an icy environment and the probe of the detector begins to freeze, its vibration frequency will gradually decrease as the mass of the ice increases. When the vibration frequency drops to the preset threshold, the system will issue an icing warning signal and automatically activate the anti-icing and de-icing devices on the wings and engine fairings. However, the automatic anti-icing function is usually only enabled after the aircraft takes off from the ground.Aircraft sensor

Schematic diagram of the anti-icing detector structure

Aircraft sensors play an indispensable role in modern aviation flights. From landing gear position sensors to flight status and environment sensors, from Angle of attack and sideslip sensors to anti-icing sensors, these sensors provide pilots with comprehensive and accurate flight information, helping them make the right decisions. With the continuous development of aviation technology, the performance and functions of sensors are also constantly improving, providing a more solid guarantee for flight safety.