Airspeed Sensors

Airspeed sensors are highly recommended for fixed-wing and VTOL frames. They are so important because the autopilot does not have other means to detect stall. For fixed-wing flight it is the airspeed that guarantees lift not ground speed!

Hardware Options

Recommended digital airspeed sensors include:

• Based on Pitot tube (opens new window)
  • MEAS Spec series (e.g. MS4525DO (opens new window), MS5525 (opens new window))
    • mRo I2C Airspeed Sensor JST-GH MS4525DO (opens new window) (mRo store)
    • Digital Differential Airspeed Sensor Kit (opens new window) (Drotek).
  • EagleTree Airspeed MicroSensor V3 (opens new window) (eagletreesystems)
  • Sensirion SDP3X Differential Pressure Sensor
  • Holybro Digital Air Speed Sensor (opens new window)
• Based on Venturi effect (opens new window)
  • TFSLOT Venturi effect airspeed sensor.

All the above sensors are connected via the I2C bus/port.

Note

Additionally, the Avionics Anonymous Air Data Computer (opens new window) can be connected to the UAVCAN bus to determine not only high-accuracy airspeed, but also true static pressure and air temperature via onboard barometer and an OAT probe.

Configuration

Enable Airspeed Sensors

Unlike most other sensor drivers, the airspeed sensor drivers are not automatically started.

Enable each type using its corresponding parameter:

• Sensirion SDP3X (SENS_EN_SDP3X)
• TE MS4525 (SENS_EN_MS4525DO)
• TE MS5525 (SENS_EN_MS5525DS)
• Eagle Tree airspeed sensor (SENS_EN_ETSASPD)

Calibration

Airspeed calibration information can be found in: Basic Configuration > Airspeed.

Developer Information

• Airspeed drivers (opens new window) (source code)