Joint UK-Canadian project targets enhanced aircraft safety and rotorcraft operational capability

Surrey Sensors Limited and Certification Center Canada have announced a joint research and development project focused on next-generation air data measurement technology designed to improve aircraft safety and ice detection capability.

The collaboration is supported by funding from Innovate UK and Canada’s National Research Council (NRC).

According to the companies, the project will combine two existing technologies to create more robust air data monitoring systems capable of providing real-time warnings to pilots about dangerous ice accumulation during flight.

Addressing limitations of traditional air data systems

Traditional aircraft airspeed and airflow measurement systems rely heavily on pressure sensors, which can be vulnerable to vibration, centrifugal forces, and blockage caused by ice, water, or debris.

The companies stated that these limitations can affect aircraft safety and have historically restricted reliable air data measurement in rotorcraft and wind turbine applications.

Certification Center Canada, operating as 3C, has developed an Airflow Performance Monitor (APM) system designed to identify contamination effects — including ice accumulation — on aircraft lifting surfaces and provide real-time performance warnings.

Surrey Sensors Limited contributes its micro constant temperature anemometer (micro-CTA) sensing technology, which uses heat transfer principles to measure airflow speed.

According to the companies, the solid-state micro-CTA sensors are resistant to acceleration forces and blockage effects and have already been applied in automotive, manufacturing, environmental, and subsea applications.

Focus on aviation safety and operational efficiency

The partners stated that combining the two technologies could provide redundant air data measurements less susceptible to failure in icing conditions while also directly monitoring the aerodynamic effects of ice build-up on aircraft wings or rotor blades.

The project is expected to support both fixed-wing and rotorcraft operations, while additional applications may extend into wind energy systems.

The companies also stated that improved real-time airflow monitoring could help reduce unnecessary use of ice prevention systems, improve flight efficiency, and reduce operational disruptions caused by icing conditions.

Potential rotorcraft and wind energy applications

Alistair Chapman, Director of Marketing at 3C, said accurate awareness of stall margins throughout all phases of flight remains critical for aviation safety.

The companies believe the technology could also improve helicopter operational capability in adverse environments and enhance wind turbine efficiency through real-time blade condition monitoring.

Surrey Sensors Limited said the collaboration represents a significant development in advanced airflow sensing technology for aerospace applications.