Abstract: An angle of attack sensor includes a housing having an open first end and a closed second end, a heated chassis positioned within the open first end of the housing, a mounting plate positioned on the heated chassis adjacent the open first end of the housing such that an internal chamber is formed between the heated chassis and the mounting plate, a transducer compartment between the heated chassis and the closed second end of the housing, and a water management system located adjacent the internal chamber and the transducer compartment. The water management system includes an annular chamber positioned in the internal chamber, a first tube at a first end of the annular chamber, and a second tube at a second end of the annular chamber. The first tube has a hole such that the first tube is in fluid communication with the annular chamber and the internal chamber, and the second tube is in fluid communication with the annular chamber and the transducer compartment.

Abstract: An angle of attack sensor includes a housing, a heated chassis positioned at least partially within the housing and defining a pocket, a mounting plate positioned adjacent the heated chassis and having a circular opening, an external surface facing away from the housing, and an internal surface facing toward the housing, and a vane assembly extending through the circular opening of the mounting plate. The vane assembly includes a vane extending from a root to a tip and a vane base connected to the root of the vane and positioned within the pocket of the heated chassis such that the vane base is offset inwardly from the external surface toward the housing.

Abstract: An angle of attack sensor includes a housing having an open first end and a closed second end, a heated chassis positioned within the open first end of the housing, a mounting plate positioned on the heated chassis adjacent the open first end of the housing such that an internal chamber is formed between the heated chassis and the mounting plate, a transducer compartment between the heated chassis and the closed second end of the housing, and a water management system located adjacent the internal chamber and the transducer compartment. The water management system includes an annular chamber positioned in the internal chamber, a first tube at a first end of the annular chamber, and a second tube at a second end of the annular chamber. The first tube has a hole such that the first tube is in fluid communication with the annular chamber and the internal chamber, and the second tube is in fluid communication with the annular chamber and the transducer compartment.

Abstract: An angle of attack sensor includes a vane assembly and a multi-piece faceplate adjacent the vane assembly. The faceplate includes a heated chassis defining a pocket and a mounting plate positioned adjacent the heated chassis and having an opening. The vane assembly has a portion that is positioned in the pocket of the heated chassis and extends through the opening of the mounting plate.

Abstract: An angle of attack sensor includes a vane that is freely rotatable to align with a direction of an oncoming airflow over the vane. The airfoil includes a root proximate a vane hub that connects to a rotatable shaft, a tip opposite the root, a leading edge, a trailing edge opposite the leading edge, a first lateral face, a second lateral face, and a heating element disposed within the airfoil between the first and second lateral faces proximate the leading edge. The first lateral face extends from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The second lateral face is opposite the first lateral face and extends from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The first and second lateral faces are symmetric about a chord of the airfoil and each have an outer surface profile that is nonlinear and geometrically convex from the leading edge to the trailing edge.

Abstract: The bearings of aircraft angle of attack (AOA) vanes are susceptible to lightning strike damage, which causes fluting on the inner and outer races of the bearings and causes the bearings to generate friction, noise, and vibrations. To prevent the bearings from experiencing damage due to lightning strikes, the bearings, the shaft, and/or the mounting plate are configured to create an electric isolator to prevent the electric current from the lightning strike from passing through the bearings, thereby preventing the bearings from incurring lightning strike damage.

Abstract: An air data probe includes a stationary housing assembly, an air data measurement unit, and a fluid sensing unit disposed proximate to an interface between the housing assembly and the air data measurement unit. The air data measurement unit is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the air data probe, relative to the stationary housing assembly. The fluid sensing unit includes a second electrically conductive sensing surface physically and dielectrically spaced from a first sensing surface.

Abstract: An air data probe includes a stationary housing assembly, an air data measurement unit, and a fluid sensing unit disposed proximate to an interface between the housing assembly and the air data measurement unit. The air data measurement unit is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the air data probe, relative to the stationary housing assembly. The fluid sensing unit includes a second electrically conductive sensing surface physically and dielectrically spaced from a first sensing surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a enclosure for a control surface position transmitter used on aerospace vehicles. The enclosure has improved capability for protecting the components of the position transmitter from damage caused by moisture-induced corrosion. The enclosure is a can-shaped structure that includes separate compartments for its mechanical and electronic components. A series of channels and passageways allow air to circulate freely in and out of the mechanical component compartment, and the electronic component compartment includes a low power heater to keep the electronic components dry and moisture-free.