Apparatus incorporating strain sensor for determining relative velocity, flow, or attack angle between a fluid and a body

An apparatus for determining relative velocity, fluid flow, or angle of attack between a fluid and a body having a fluid-contacting surface and a non-fluid-contacting surface that opposes the fluid-contacting surface, the apparatus comprising:

• at least one deflecting element joined to the body and extending from the fluid-contacting surface into the fluid;
• and
• at least one strain sensor coupled to the non-fluid-contacting surface;
• wherein the at least one strain sensor is configured to detect strain imparted on the body by deflection of the at least one deflecting element;
• wherein the body comprises an external wall, a wing, or a foil of a vehicle;
• and
• wherein the apparatus comprises at least one of the following features (i) and (ii):
• (i) the at least one deflecting element comprises a pitotstatic tube;
• and
• (ii) the apparatus comprises an altitude sensor configured to detect altitude of the vehicle and to generate a signal indicative of altitude, wherein the apparatus is configured to utilize the signal indicative of altitude to correct and/or validate an output signal of the at least one strain sensor.