air speed sensor for rc plane

[Chris Hibner]

Originally Posted by Tristan Lall

When I mentioned groundspeed vs. airspeed, that's exactly the situation I had in mind; operating near obstacles. Before he'd more fully explained the concept, I was envisioning something like the IARC, where small autonomous aircraft are operated near buildings, even (in the case of helicopters) inside of buildings. In that sort of situation, you have to know where you are in absolute terms to follow a clear path, or otherwise, know the position of all obstacles at all times, and know how to take evasive action when you do see one, while still heading for your destination.

If it's just going to fly around, airspeed is quite sufficient; it's just that you need to also know wind speed and direction at all points, in order to follow a ground-based course using velocity as a reference.

Ah yes. If your purpose is to follow a groud track, you will need to reference the ground. If you purpose is controlling the performance of the airplane, airspeed is what you need.

In either case you will still need an airspeed sensor or else with any wind you either stall the plane or break it apart.