Abstract: A calibration tool for an air data sensor of a vehicle comprises a target surface which is disposable on the vehicle. The calibration tool may further comprise a light pointer which is mountable on the air data sensor and which is operative to project a beam of light toward the target surface. The air data sensor may be configured as a flow direction sensor which may include at least one of an alpha vane for measuring angle of attack or a beta vane for measuring sideslip. The flow direction sensor may be mountable in spaced relation to the vehicle via a standoff. The flow direction sensor may include a hollow pivot arm having a laser pointer mounted therewithin for projecting a beam of laser light onto the target surface.

Abstract: A calibration tool for an air data sensor of a vehicle comprises a target surface which is disposable on the vehicle. The calibration tool may further comprise a light pointer which is mountable on the air data sensor and which is operative to project a beam of light toward the target surface. The air data sensor may be configured as a flow direction sensor which may include at least one of an alpha vane for measuring angle of attack or a beta vane for measuring sideslip. The flow direction sensor may be mountable in spaced relation to the vehicle via a standoff. The flow direction sensor may include a hollow pivot arm having a laser pointer mounted therewithin for projecting a beam of laser light onto the target surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention automatically compensate control of an aircraft for an environmental condition, such as turbulence or wind shear. A sensor is configured to sense speed of air relative to an aircraft at a predetermined distance in front of the aircraft. A processor is coupled to receive the sensed speed of air from the sensor. The processor includes a first component configured to determine whether the speed of the air at the predetermined distance is indicative of an environmental condition, such as turbulence or wind shear. A second component is configured to automatically generate control signals for controlling the aircraft such that the environmental condition is automatically compensated by a time the aircraft enters the environmental condition.

Abstract: A system for automatically correcting flight path of an aircraft onto a predetermined trajectory is provided. A sensor is configured to sense speed and direction of air relative to the aircraft at a predetermined distance in front of the aircraft. A navigation system is configured to determine displacement of a flight path of the aircraft from a predetermined trajectory. A processor is coupled to receive the sensed speed and direction of air from the sensor and the displacement of the flight path from the navigation system. The processor includes a first component that is configured to determine whether the speed of the air at the predetermined distance is indicative of turbulence, and a second component that is configured to automatically generate control signals to correct the flight path of the aircraft from the displacement onto the predetermined trajectory by a time when the aircraft enters the turbulence.