The alpha vane (also called AoA vane) is an external probe used to measure the angle of attack. I have been trying to understand how exactly it works, but I can't find any clear explanation or simulation. Is the vane static or dynamic i.e. does it rotate along its central axis?

Dec 1, 2018 · $\begingroup$ Alpha vanes are absolutely essential sensors providing the stall warning. What contributed to the Lion Air flight 610 accident is not the presence of alpha vanes alone, nor the fact one was installed incorrectly. If they fed just stall warning, it would be relatively easy to recognize it as spurious.

The calibration tables are just {Vane angle X = True AOA Y} based on the difference between the actual nose vane angles and the test boom vane that is reading true AOA for the range of angles. To the extent that the deviation between between measured and true AOA is speed sensitive, it's that the deviation isn't constant but varies with AOA ...

Feb 4, 2020 · All Boeing aircraft have at least two alpha vanes to measure angle of attack, but the cockpit display shown above is an airline option, i.e. not every aircraft will display this dial: Angle–of–Attack. There are two alpha vanes, one located on each side of the forward fuselage.

Sep 29, 2016 · The stall warning system senses angle of attack through a lift transducer actuated by a vane mounted on the leading edge of the left wing (Figure 15-10). Angle of attack from the lift transducer and flap position signals are processed by the lift computer to sound the stall warning horn mounted on the copilot’s side of the cockpit.

Also, if you look at the nose of the 737 MAX, you will see a left and right AoA vane. (The sensors with the red tags are pitot tubes). (The sensors with the red tags are pitot tubes). "[Boeing] said it will change the MCAS software to give the system input from more than one AOA sensor ."

May 9, 2019 · From that data and from the AOA vane itself, the variations between AOA vane and true are plotted and calibration tables are loaded into the Stall Protection Computer software so the SPC can correct the AOA data internally before it is used for the various functions that need AOA information.

Jul 10, 2019 · An alpha vane is a bit of a luxury and not needed unless you are pushing the flight envelope. Any ground-watching sensor with sufficient update rate, range and accuracy (IR, laser, LiDAR, acoustic, etc) will allow you to smooth your landings, and which one you pick should depend on your design and budget; they all have pros and cons.

Nov 29, 2019 · The ill fated MAX of recent news had 2 angle of attack vanes, with the MCAS computer picking the worst one. It seems a "software patch" may not be the only improvement option available. Sensible

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