Why do air craft still rely on archaic pitot tubes?

  • Thread starter Thread starter wolram
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Air Pitot
AI Thread Summary
Aircraft continue to rely on pitot tubes for primary airspeed measurement because GPS provides ground speed, which can be misleading in certain conditions, such as with a strong tailwind. Indicated airspeed is crucial for understanding stall and flight characteristics, making pitot tubes essential for safety. While GPS is accurate for navigation, it does not replace the need for reliable airspeed data. The discussion raises questions about the integration of Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) and GPS in modern aircraft. Ultimately, pitot tubes remain vital for accurate airspeed readings in aviation.
wolram
Gold Member
Dearly Missed
Messages
4,410
Reaction score
555
If GPS is or can be so accurate why do air craft still rely on archaic pito tubes? sure keep one as a back up, but for your PRIMARY instrument no way.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
GPS provides ground speed, not airspeed. If you were in an airliner and had a 100kt tailwind, GPS would think you were going supersonic.
 
Yes for stall and flight characteristics the indicated airspeed is the most important. I don't know if for navigation they use INS (Inertial Navigation System) with laser guided Giro's, or GPS for speed calculation.
 
Thread 'Turbocharging carbureted petrol 2 stroke engines'
Hi everyone, online I ve seen some images about 2 stroke carbureted turbo (motorcycle derivation engine). Now.. In the past in this forum some members spoke about turbocharging 2 stroke but not in sufficient detail. The intake and the exhaust are open at the same time and there are no valves like a 4 stroke. But if you search online you can find carbureted 2stroke turbo sled or the Am6 turbo. The question is: Is really possible turbocharge a 2 stroke carburated(NOT EFI)petrol engine and...
I need some assistance with calculating hp requirements for moving a load. - The 4000lb load is resting on ball bearing rails so friction is effectively zero and will be covered by my added power contingencies. Load: 4000lbs Distance to travel: 10 meters. Time to Travel: 7.5 seconds Need to accelerate the load from a stop to a nominal speed then decelerate coming to a stop. My power delivery method will be a gearmotor driving a gear rack. - I suspect the pinion gear to be about 3-4in in...

Similar threads

Back
Top