Abstract: A thermal air data (TAD) sensor comprising a heat dissipating plate including a first surface and a second surface, the heat dissipating plate having a temperature maintained at the constant temperature. The heat dissipating plate is configured to be located at a first location with the first surface flush with an exterior surface of a vehicle. A temperature controller is provided to control the temperature of the heat dissipating plate to maintain the constant temperature during flight of the vehicle and is configured to calculate a value of power to maintain the heat dissipating plate at the constant temperature. An ambient air temperature sensor is to be located at a second location flush with the exterior surface of the vehicle and being paired with the first location.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a system and vehicle for controlling the flight of a vehicle without the need to use pressure sensors. The system includes a plurality of pairwise thermal air data (TAD) sensors being controlled to have a constant temperature during heat dissipation into the atmosphere by each sensor. The system includes at least one processor configured to measure power for maintaining the constant temperature to calculate an angle of attack, a sideslip and a free stream vehicle velocity at infinity to control flight of a vehicle.