Multifunctional air data sensing probes

An air data probe for sensing a parameter of a fluid flow moving relative to the probe, wherein the probe has an inlet aperture open to the atmosphere comprising:

• a strut having a leading edge, a distal portion and a base portion adapted for mounting to an air vehicle, and having the inlet aperture formed through the distal portion and facing generally transverse to the fluid flow, away from the base portion, the strut having an internal cavity fluidly coupled to the inlet aperture and an exhaust port fluidly coupled to the internal cavity;
• temperature sensing means mounted in the internal cavity for sensing and providing an output related to the temperature of the fluid;
• a perforated wall portion located upstream from the inlet aperture and having openings passing through the wall portion from a first surface on the distal portion and in contact with the fluid flow to an area maintained at a lower pressure than the fluid pressure present over the first surface to bleed off boundary layer fluid from the fluid flow prior to a portion of the fluid flow entering the inlet aperture;
• and
• a probe head member joined to the leading edge of the strut so that a continuous smooth transition surface leads from the probe head member to the perforated wall portion, and at least one pressure sensing port on the probe head member.