Abstract: An integrated air data probe capable of measuring pressure, temperature, relative humidity, turbulence, heading, air speed, the presence of ice, and other relevant measurements for use in building a real time map of the aircraft flying conditions. The probe is attached to the external surface of an airplane such as the wing, fuselage or empannage and is adapted to collect and relay these measurements to a receiving station. By utilizing these probes on numerous airplanes, real time data from numerous data points can be mapped to provide pilots and airlines complete information regarding flying conditions. Additionally, the probe includes a recessed surface for detecting the presence, thickness, and continued buildup of ice by mounting the recessed surface directly into the airflow. One or more light beams are passed over and parallel to the recessed surface, and if ice is present the beams are interrupted.

Abstract: The present invention is an optical ice detection probe capable of detecting the presence, thickness and continued buildup of ice. The invention works by attaching the probe to the external surface of an airplane such as the wing, fuselage or empannage. The probe has a recessed surface, which is mounted to face directly into the airflow. One or more beams are passed over and parallel to the recessed surface. These beams can be of any useful wavelength, however for best results visible, infrared or ultraviolet beams should be used. Ice on the recessed surface interrupts the beams thereby indicating the presence of ice. If two or more beams are used, then each beam emitter is paired with a beam detector and the corresponding beam detector only detects the beam from that emitter. This can be accomplished by numerous methods.