but if is just measuring expected air pressure (there is no free flow as such) why not do away with the pitot altogether? Just guesstimate it without all the convolution.No I cant see how it would work.
The aircraft must know what the immediate static and dynamic air pressures acting upon the aircraft are at any time and it must be accurate.
All sorts of bits on an aircraft are ice protected from pitot/static probes,angle of attack sensors, engine cowls, leading edges, windows, drain masts, temp probes,propellor leading edges engine intakes etc.Some electrically some by hot bleed air.
In general they work well.They must
The important ones are monitored for failures.Operations are limited if flying in icing conditions.
If there is a practical, sensible, affordable alternative that works better than the current type I would hazard a guess and say the manufacturers would be using it.
Newer aircraft have done away with much of the tubing which makes maintenance easier (less scope for leaks) but the basic needs have not changed.
Last edited by ampclamp; 14th Jun 2009 at 09:25.
Reason: poor English