A pitot-static probe is a device used in aviation to measure airspeed and altitude. The pitot tube measures the total pressure or stagnation pressure, while the static port measures the static pressure of the air. Static pressure is used to to calculate altitude. The difference between the total pressure and the static pressure is called dynamic or impact pressure and used to compute calibrated airspeed.
If the aircraft is operated in rainy weather conditions or encounter icing conditions, the pitot-static probe may be equipped with a drainage system and heating elements. This heating element prevents ice from forming on the probe, ensuring accurate measurements of airspeed and altitude.
Simtec offers heated and unheated pitot-static probes optimized for unmanned aerial vehicles. The probes are light-weight and robust. They are available in many configurations like boom type probes or L-shaped probes. Simtec's heated probes are temperature controlled to reduce power consumption, prevent damage to the aircraft composite structure and protect personnel from accidents and burns.