According to Fred Squire, Director of Sales and Marketing at FT Technologies, “The FT205 is the first in a new generation of lightweight ultrasonic wind sensors. The light weight of the FT205 together with the proven FT ACU-RES technology make it ideal for use on aerial UAVs and other applications where weight is critical.”
FT Technologies, a British company specializing in the development and production of ultrasonic wind sensors, has reportedly launched its first UAV-specific and 3D printed device. FT Technologies’ FT205 is designed to aid UAV users in environmental projects and to execute more reliable flights.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology has been used to make the device, achieving a weight of just 100g. According to reports, the material used is a graphite and nylon composite. The device works in extreme environments, at a maximum altitude of 4.000 m and in temperatures between -20 and +70°C.
The FT205 sensor has been 3D printed by fellow British company Graphite Additive Manufacturing (Graphite AM) a specialist service bureau and consultancy firm. The FT205 uses acoustic resonance technology to deliver environmental information about the wind speed, direction and temperature, bases on minute vibrations in the device, and an in-built compass. A versatile piece of equipment, it can be plugged into an UAV’s input/output communications, mounted on a flat surface, or attached to a pole.
