FT Technologies specializes in designing and manufacturing high-performance Acoustic Resonance wind sensors tailored for uavs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and ground control station applications.
Our ultrasonic anemometers provide dependable 360-degree wind speed and direction readings, even in the most challenging weather conditions. Their lightweight and compact design allows for seamless integration across various platforms. These robust systems serve as effective replacements for pitot tubes on fixed-wing UAVs and are notably suited for station-keeping and hovering on quad-rotor UAVs, as well as for dynamic positioning in gusty and turbulent environments.
Unmatched Durability in Wind Sensors
Our wind sensors are meticulously crafted using hard-anodized aluminum, waterproof casings, industrial-grade connectors, and extensive body heating to guarantee exceptional reliability in the harshest environments. With no moving components, these solid-state sensors boast extended lifespans and reduced maintenance needs.
Each product undergoes a stringent series of over 30 autonomous tests, including assessments for sand, dust, ice, vibration, corrosion, hail, and lightning protection. FT Technologies holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, ensuring that quality remains our top priority.
Acu-Res® Technology
All FT Technologies wind sensors utilize Acu-Res®, our proprietary solid-state technology for accurately measuring wind speed and direction. Acu-Res® generates an ultrasonic acoustic wave within a compact cavity, achieving a signal-to-noise ratio that exceeds 40dB compared to other ultrasonic wind sensor technologies.
A stronger signal translates to more reliable data—Acu-Res® automatically compensates for temperature, humidity, and pressure to ensure optimal responsiveness. The advanced Acu-Res® software continuously monitors data quality, checks the health of the sensor’s subsystems, and dynamically adjusts heater power to prevent ice formation.
Each unit is individually calibrated in a cutting-edge wind tunnel, with sensors routinely selected from production for cross-verification in a MEASNET tunnel.
for More Information: Acu-Res® Technology
Our Product Line
FT602-SM
Compact Industrial-Grade Wind Sensor for UAV & GCS Applications
The FT602-SM is a lightweight and compact ultrasonic wind sensor capable of measuring wind speeds up to 75m/s, providing consistent and accurate 360° directional data even in heavy rainfall. Made from industrial-grade polymer,it meets IP67 standards and includes an integrated compass and pressure sensor.
This versatile unit is designed for surface mounting, with an adapter available for easy pipe installation. It operates on 5V USB power and interfaces seamlessly with standard autopilots, data loggers, control systems, and displays without requiring an external converter.
Weighing only 170g and featuring a low profile, the FT602-SM is perfect for flight control and environmental monitoring on SWaP-constrained drone platforms.
For More information: FT602-SM Ultrasonic Wind Sensor
FT743-SM
Durable Ultrasonic Wind Sensor with Built-in De-icing System
The FT743-SM is a refined wind sensor engineered to endure the most extreme operating conditions. It measures wind speeds up to 75 m/s with complete 360° directional accuracy, is sealed to IP67 standards, and features a robust thermostatically-controlled de-icing system for maintenance-free operation in severe environments.
This rugged wind sensor is made from lightweight, corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum and weighs just 252g. It is indeed ideal for improving station-keeping and hovering capabilities for multirotor UAVs,and also for providing dynamic positioning control in gusty and turbulent conditions.
for More Information: FT743-SM Rugged Ultrasonic Wind Sensor
Real-World Applications
A multirotor UAV equipped with our wind sensor was deployed to study wake turbulence at a wind farm in Denmark, assessing the feasibility of drone-based delivery of spare parts directly from a transport vessel to the turbine nacelles.
The FT742-SM (the predecessor to the FT743-SM) was integrated into a UAV alongside a methane sensor, creating an innovative approach to measure and quantify the dynamic characteristics of gas emissions.
The FT205 (the predecessor to the FT602-SM) has been utilized by the agency responsible for forest fire prevention and control in Andalucia, Spain, mounted on a night-flying drone that monitors wind speed and direction data directly at the fire front.
