FT Technologies is a specialist designer and manufacturer of high-performance Acoustic Resonance wind sensors for UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and ground control station applications.
Our ultrasonic anemometers deliver reliable 360-degree wind speed and direction data in the toughest of climates and weather conditions, with a lightweight and compact footprint that makes them easy to integrate into a wide variety of platforms. The rugged systems have been used as a pitot tube replacement on fixed-wing UAVs, and are ideal for station-keeping and hovering on quad-rotor UAVs, as well as for dynamic positioning control in gusty and turbulent environments.
The world’s toughest wind sensors
Our wind sensors have been expertly engineered with hard-anodised aluminium, waterproof housings, industrial-grade connectors, and all-body heating to ensure the utmost in reliability even in the world’s harshest environments. With no moving parts, the solid state sensors offer longer lifespans with fewer maintenance requirements.
All products have passed a rigorous battery of over 30 independent tests, including sand, dust, ice, vibration, corrosion, hail and lightning protection. FT Technologies is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, and we ensure that quality is at the forefront of everything that we do.
ACU-RES® Technology
All FT Technologies wind sensors are powered by Acu-Res®, our patented solid-state technology for measuring wind speed and direction. Acu-Res® resonates an ultrasonic acoustic wave inside a small cavity, resulting in a signal-to-noise ratio that is more than 40dB stronger than other ultrasonic wind sensor technologies.
A stronger signal means more reliable data – Acu-Res® features automatic compensation for temperature, humidity and pressure to maintain maximal response. The powerful Acu-Res® software also monitors the quality of the data, continuously checks the health of the wind sensor’s sub-systems and dynamically controls the heater power to maintain ice-free operation.
Each unit is individually calibrated in a state-of-the-art wind tunnel, and sensors are regularly selected from production and cross-checked in a MEASNET tunnel.
More Information: ACU-RES® Technology
Our Products
FT602-SM
Lightweight industrial-grade wind sensor for UAV & GCS applications
The FT602-SM is a compact and lightweight ultrasonic wind sensor that measures wind speeds of up to 75m/s, with consistent and reliable 360° direction accuracy even in heavy rain. Constructed from an industrial-grade polymer, it is sealed to IP67 standards and also features a built-in compass and pressure sensor.
The versatile unit is designed to be surface-mounted, with an adapter for easy pipe-mounting. It can be powered by 5V USB, and interfaces with industry-standard autopilots, data loggers, control systems and displays without the need for an external converter.
Weighing just 170g with a low profile, the FT602-SM is ideal for flight control and environmental monitoring applications on SWaP-limited drone platforms.
More Information: FT602-SM Ultrasonic Wind Sensor
FT743-SM
Rugged ultrasonic wind sensor with integrated de-icing system
The FT743-SM is an advanced wind sensor designed to withstand the harshest of operating conditions. Measuring wind speeds up to 75 m/s with full 360° direction measurement, it is sealed to IP67 standards and features a powerful thermostatically-controlled de-icing system that ensures maintenance-free operation in extreme environments.
The rugged wind sensor is constructed from lightweight corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum, and weighs just 252g. It is ideal for enhancing station-keeping and hovering performance for multirotor UAVs, as well as for providing dynamic positioning control in gusty and turbulent environments.
More Information: FT743-SM Rugged Ultrasonic Wind Sensor
Case Studies
A multirotor UAV fitted with our wind sensor was used to investigate wake turbulence at a wind farm in Denmark, in order to assess the safety of potential drone-based delivery of spare parts directly from a transport ship to the turbine nacelles.
The FT742-SM (precursor to the FT743-SM) was integrated into a UAV in conjunction with a methane sensor in order to create an innovative method of measuring and quantifying the dynamic properties of gas releases.
The FT205 (precursor to the FT602-SM) has been deployed by the authority responsible for preventing and combating forest fires in Andalucia, Spain, on board a night-flying drone that monitors wind speed and direction data directly at the fire front.
