Aeroprobe’s air data probe use in Athena Technologies’ damage controls project
Athena Technologies Inc. developed the controls to allow a fighter aircraft to land autonomously if it has suffered serious battle damage, like departure of the entire right-side aileron. Aeroprobe provided light and highly reliable air-data probes for the flight control system of a model F-18 aircraft. The Athena team demonstrated that the flight-controls system allows the aircraft to regain baseline performance after sustaining simulated damage. It was also demonstrated that it is possible for the damaged aircraft to land autonomously without any external aircraft guidance mechanisms.
Dr. Dave Vos the Athena Technologies CEO and CTO acknowledged Aeroprobe’s contributions in a letter. Some passages of the letter are quoted here:
"I want to thank the entire Aeroprobe team for their attention to detail and rapid support needed. Your air-data probe was the ideal sensor for our demonstrations – accurate, lightweight and highly reliable. The knowledge and skills at the Aeroprobe Corporation are unmatched in the air-data sensor industry. Congratulations on the successful flight test! Athena Technologies looks forward to working with Aeroprobe as the future phase of this project emerges."
— Dr. Dave Vos
Athena Technologies CEO and CTO
Athena Technologies CEO and CTO
