Project description
A novel multifunctional digital probe will monitor atmospheric air data better
Keeping aircraft on track relies on a plethora of technologies including air data probes that measure parameters such as static air pressure, total air pressure, angle of attack, angle of sideslip and total air temperature. Conventionally, this information comes from multiple sensors that protrude from the aircraft, making them subject to adverse conditions including ice, dust and birds. The EU-funded MIDAS project is developing a multifunctional, modular, integrated and digital air data system incorporating neural network techniques enabling aerodynamic angle estimation and anti-ice capabilities. The novel system will be characterised by smaller size and weight, reduced power consumption and enhanced reliability.
Objective
The main objective of the MIDAS project is to design and manufacture a smart and fully integrated air data probe (ADP) for SAT applications, characterized by the following features:
• reduced size and weight;
• reduced power consumption;
• improved reliability;
• fully-integrated with the onboard communication bus; • fault tolerant, thanks to the health monitoring functionalities:
The ADP will be delivered after:
• a thorough test campaign for verification and validation of the manufactured system; • environmental requirement verification (Temperature, Vibration, Icing, EMI/EMC).
Quality is ensured by the documented traceability of measurement results.
In order to achieve these targets, the solution will include key enabling innovative technologies such as:
• single Line-Replaceable Unit (LRU) with the capability of communicating with other FBW control system devices through a standard legacy (e.g.
Arinc429, CanBUS Arinc825) and innovative communication bus (e.g. AFDX). As a further step it may be evaluated the introduction of a AFDX over fibre link channel to furtherly drastically reduce wiring weight on the aircraft, signals crosstalk and susceptibility and to increase the overall system reliability; • optimized fail-safe architecture; • innovative air data strategies to implement virtual sensors with the aim to reduce the use of physical probes; • redundant power supply and advanced health monitoring (hardware and
software) based on previous partners’ experience exploiting power-up, initiatial and continuous built-in test; • advanced air data algorithms focused on air data system optimization, based on partners’ previous experience; • anti-ice capability using automatic heater in order to avoid holes occlusion due to ice formation; • complete sensors characterisation, calibration and target uncertainty evaluation.
Fields of science
Not validated
Not validated
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencessoftware
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringaircraft
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesartificial intelligencecomputational intelligence
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
IA - Innovation actionCoordinator
10129 Torino
Italy