Ice Sensor targets unmanned aerial vehicles.

Press Release Summary:



Made entirely of plastic, Model 9732-UAV features RF transparency, solving problem of conductive metallic interference with mission-critical radio antennas on unmanned aerial vehicles and other small aircraft. Ice detecting transducer probe has no moving parts and can be installed virtually anywhere on aircraft fuselage. Measuring 1½ in. long x ¼ in. diameter, sensor weighs less than 10 g, consumes less than 2 W, and features ice detection threshold of 0.001 in. of ice or better.



Original Press Release:



First All-Plastic Ice Sensor for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles



o RF transparency for installation in close proximity to mission-critical radio antennas.

o Weighs <10 grams.

o Consumes <2 Watts.

o No moving parts.

o Radio silent, no MHz clock.

o Simple interface.

o Hermetically sealed.

o Ice sensitivity 0.001 inch or better.

o NASA icing wind tunnel tested.

o SAE AS-5498 ¶5.2.1.1.1 conforming.

o SAE AIR-4367A ¶4.11 listed.

o Demonstrably the smallest, lightest, most-sensitive ice detector on the market today.

Ft Lauderdale FL USA, January 26, 2009 -- New Avionics Corporation here announces the availability of the first in-flight ice sensor made entirely of plastic.
New Model 9732-UAV ice detecting transducer probe solves the problem of conductive metallic interference with mission-critical radio antennas on unmanned aerial vehicles and other small aircraft. The sensor is transparent to radio frequencies.

The sensor body consists entirely of Delrin and Acrylic plastics. The only metal in the entire sensor assembly is in the necessary wires to connect it to its host system.

The elimination of all metal parts was the primary objective that New Avionics faced as the firm undertook to develop this new sensor for UAVs. All prior existing features and benefits of the original Model 9732-OEM optical sensor, fabricated of type 316L marine-grade stainless steel, are retained in the new plastic Model 9732-UAV.
RF transparency and the elimination of all metal parts is necessitated by a requirement to locate and install the sensor in very very close proximity to mission-critical GPS and other types of radio antennas.

Model 9732-UAV can be installed virtually anywhere on an aircraft fuselage,
at any angle of attack, raked forward or aft, and any orientation of the sensor air gap. The only requirement is that the air gap be located beyond the airflow boundary layer.

The sensor measures a mere 1½ inches long by ¼ inch diameter. It weighs less than 10 grams. It features the industry's most-sensitive ice detection threshold of 0.001 inch of ice or better. This sensitivity immediately alerts UAV operators and pilots to the aircraft's presence in an icing domain, and allows them to take early corrective action, long before ice builds to become any kind of hazard to aircraft in flight.

Model 9732-UAV provides common 5/16-inch-24 mounting threads, and an attachment flange that accommodates any ordinary 7/16-inch open-end wrench. The length of the connection link from the base of the sensor probe to the host electrical system is user-defined, and can be specified anywhere from an inch to several feet.

Model 9732-UAV works as an optical spectrometer. It has no moving parts. It is completely solid, and suitable for use in pressurized aircraft. Its few internal parts are assembled with optical two-part epoxy, and it is physically robust in all six axes.
Operational videos are available of tests conducted at NASA Glenn in Cleveland Ohio, the world's largest icing wind tunnel. They document that Model 9732 operates in conformance with core paragraph 5.2.1.1.1 of SAE aerospace standard AS 5498 in lieu of any published FAA Technical Standard Order for in-flight icing detectors. Model 9732 is also listed in paragraph 4.11 of SAE aerospace information report AIR 4367A.
OEM pricing is the most cost-effective in-flight ice detection available today, and is quoted from the factory via website www.newavionics.com/. Delivery of small lots is quoted at 30 days ARO.

Founded in 1996, New Avionics Corporation is a privately held firm that develops, manufactures and markets optical ice and precipitation sensors for aerospace, industry and retail applications. New Avionics holds pertinent intellectual property rights which are available under manufacturing license for application-specific products. Please contact the factory.

New Avionics Corp, 2631 East Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale FL 33306 USA.
tel 954-568-1991 fax 954-568-2511 info@NewAvionics.com www.newavionics.com

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