The airspeed indicator is a critical flight instrument that displays the aircraft's airspeed, typically in knots, miles per hour, or kilometers per hour. It measures the dynamic pressure of the air flowing around the aircraft and converts this to calibrated airspeed.
Airspeed indicators come in a few main designs:
Pitot-static airspeed indicators use both pitot and static pressure sources to derive airspeed. They compare ram air pressure from the pitot tube to static ambient air pressure.
Differential pressure airspeed indicators operate based on pressure differences across two ports on the aircraft. They do not require pitot or static pressure sources.
True airspeed indicators incorporate air density factors to indicate true airspeed through the air mass, rather than just over the ground. This requires input of pressure and temperature.
Digital airspeed indicators present airspeed data electronically by processing inputs from sensors. They may include added functions like auto-calibration.
Key specifications for airspeed indicators are aircraft type compatibility, airspeed range, operating altitude, accuracy, and any additional capabilities like true airspeed. They must be properly calibrated and handled as sensitive flight instruments. Airspeed indicators provide critical in-flight airspeed data to pilots for safe operation.
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