Aventech Research Inc.

United States

Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) relies on the combination of GPS differential carrier-phase signals and inertial rates that are standard within the AIMMS product line. Three AIMMS modules comprise the AHRS: the dual-processor GPS module, the IMU module and the Central Processing Module (CPM), where the CPM is loaded with AHRS-specific firmware. By fusing the absolute precision of GPS carrier-phase analysis with the responsiveness of inertial sensors, the AHRS is well suited for dynamic platforms where robustness of the solution is paramount in an environment with highly variable GPS signal quality.

The AIMMS-20 utilizes two antennas, dual GPS processor subsystem to determine aircraft attitude, specifically heading. A differential carrier-phase technique is applied to the signals originating from two wing-tip mounted GPS antennas that, when coupled with inertial information from the IMU, provides 0.1 degree heading accuracy (10 m antenna baseline). The GPS module also provides 3-D position and inertial velocity.

The AIMMS-20 Air-Data Probe (ADP) measures properties of the airflow in which it is immersed. Temperature and humidity sensors are housed in a proprietary reverse-flow chamber located in the aft section of the probe that results in inertial particle-separation within the flow, which protects the sensors and extends their service life. In addition, an accelerometer triad is incorporated into the module to facilitate direct turbulence measurement.

This system consists networkable modules to individually measure wind and aircraft data such as barometric pressure, pitot-static pressure, acceleration, and vibration. The modules communicate via Control Area Network(CAN) interface. These modules can also be connectoed to Aventech's AIMMS-20 modules and ODMS to record the data. The system can be customizable in many ways, for example, strain gauge measurements can be input to the system and recorded.

The AIMMS-20 Air-Data Probe (ADP) measures properties of the airflow in which it is immersed. Temperature and humidity sensors are housed in a proprietary reverse-flow chamber located in the aft section of the probe that results in inertial particle-separation within the flow, which protects the sensors and extends their service life. In addition, an accelerometer triad is incorporated into the module to facilitate direct turbulence measurement.

VecTrax-10 is a high-accuracy, cost-effective, three-dimensional orientation compass system which can be used to track any moving platformvehicle. VecTrax-10 combines the absolute DC stability of a single-baseline GPS carrier phase system with MEMS inertial sensors to provide high accuracy, high frequency real-time attitute solution. VecTrax-10 outputs data set include: Inertial Acceleration (X, Y, Z)Inertial Angular Rates (P, Q, R)GPS Time, Position and VelocityAttitude (Roll, Pitch, Yaw [Heading])

Smart sensor modules are combined using a Controller Area Network (CAN) to form the Aircraft-Integrated Meteorological Measurement System, or AIMMS-20, which delivers precise real-time meteorological data at rates up to 20Hz (temperature, humidity, wind). A minimum of four modules are combined to form an AIMMS-20 system: an Inertial Measurement Unit module (IMU) that delivers six degree-of-freedom rate data at 40Hz; a GPS Phase Module that processes satellite navigation signals from two antennas; an Air-Data-Probe (ADP) that measures temperature, humidity, barometric pressure and the aircraft-relative flow vector; and, a Central Processing Module (CPM) to process GPS data, inertial signals and air-data information that yield accurate wind data when combined. Benefits

The CPM module performs data processing functions and provides the main power and communications interface for the AIMMS system. A unique proprietary Kalman filter optimally combines differential carrier-phase data from the GPS module with IMU rates to determine aircraft attitude and velocity. The CPM combines this attitude and velocity information with air-motion data from the ADP to determine the wind solution to better than 0.5 ms (1 knot) accuracy. Processed data can be logged in the internal FLASH memory or transmitted to a host computer in real time using either RS232 or CAN interfaces.

AIMMS-30 is Aventech's third generation wind measurement system which is capable of providing accurate GPS, inertial rates, air-data and meteorological data including: Barometric (Static) PressureAir Speed (including TAS)Angle-of-Attack (AOA)Angle-of-Sideslip (AOS)Temperature (OAT)Relative HumidityAIMMS-30 can be used to: Optimize Spray DipositionMinimize Off-Target DriftDocument Meteorological Conditions to prove Due Diligence during ApplicationAIMMS-30 is smaller, lighter, and lower cost than previous second generation AIMMS-20 system. The system includes Air Data Probe (ADP), Integrated InertialGPS Carrier PhaseCentral Processing Module (CPM), and an optional Touch Screen Display Module running Aventech MetTrack Firmware. Data available in real-time via serial broadcast, which can be utilized by GPS navigation systems for use in real-time spray drift models, or stored to an integrated USB flash memory drive for post-flight analysis. Basic navigation measurements include: GPS Position (Latitude, Longitude and Altitude)GPS VelocityThree-axis Accelerations (X, Y, Z)Three-axis Rates (Roll, Pitch, Yaw)AIMMS-30 is compatible with most major GPS navigation systems including: ADAPCO Wingman GX

FTK100 is an integrated Field Test Kit which provides an extensive set of testing functions to verify the operational status of Aventechs line of airborne air-data, GPS and inertial system products. FTK100 test functionality includes: Validation and calibration of pressure channel measurements for both pitot-static and five-hole probes including barometric, pitot-static, angle-of-attack and angle-of-sideslip pressuresDisplay of three-axis accelerometer and rate sensor measurements for validation of inertial subsystemDisplay of GPS receiver data for validation of GPS subsystemDisplay of three-axis magnetic sensor measurementsDisplay of temperature and humidity measurements for validation of environmental meteorological subsystemReporting of IBIT statusReporting of CBIT statusFirmware update capability for both the FTK100 unit itself as well as the attached instrumentation

VecTrax-10 is a high-accuracy, cost-effective, three-dimensional orientation compass system which can be used to track any moving platformvehicle. VecTrax-10 combines the absolute DC stability of a single-baseline GPS carrier phase system with MEMS inertial sensors to provide high accuracy, high frequency real-time attitute solution. VecTrax-10 outputs data set include: Inertial Acceleration (X, Y, Z)Inertial Angular Rates (P, Q, R)GPS Time, Position and VelocityAttitude (Roll, Pitch, Yaw [Heading])