Instrument Now Performs Angle Of Attack Computation

Thommen Aircraft Equipment has rolled out a decisive enhancement of their reputed air data computers, going a step even further toward more performance and safety. The Thommen AC32 Air Data Computer,  is now available with additional capabilities, supporting supersonic flight operations and providing Angle of Attack (AOA) computation to prevent critical flight attitudes at low speed.

The AC32 Air Data Computer Unit measures barometric altitude and airspeed with integrated high-performance vibrating cylinder pressure sensors, providing outstanding accuracy and stability for both static and pitot ports. The Thommen AC32 Digital Air Data Computer exceeds FAA Technical Standard Order (TSO) and accuracy requirements, without any need for periodical recalibration.

With this major improvement, the Thommen air data systems now incorporate inputs provided by the aircraft’s Angle of Attack (AoA) sensor and supply the computed information over the ARINC 429 data bus via dedicated labels. Correction factors from wind tunnel tests can also be applied to derive the corrected angle and guarantee precise and reliable measurements, from take-off to landing. With the addition of high-speed sensors, supersonic speeds can be precisely computed, which greatly expands the range of applications and aircraft types of the product.

Comprehensive configurability, easy installation and low direct maintenance costs make the Thommen AC32 a preferred and cost-efficient choice for aircraft modernization programs and forward fit productions.

(Images provided with Thommen news release)

FMI: www.thommen.aero