The open end of the pitot tube, usually mounted on a wing, faces toward the flow of air or water. The air speed indicator actually measures the difference between a static sensor not in the air stream and a sensor (pitot tube) in the air stream. When the airplane is standing still, the pressure in each tube is equal and the air speed indicator shows zero. The rush of air in flight causes a pressure differential between the static tube and the pitot tube. The pressure differential makes the pointer on the air speed indicator move. An increase in forward speed raises the pressure at the end of the pitot tube. In turn, the air pressure pushes against a flexible diaphragm that moves a connected mechanical pointer on the face of the indicator. The indicator is calibrated to compensate for winds in the air or the speed of the opposing current in the water. In airplanes, electronics also compensate for altitude and air temperature to make the air speed measurement accurate.
The following picture shows a direct reading air speed indicator for a hang glider. This instrument is for paragliding and ultra light aircraft and is also ideal for measuring wind speed for activities such as:
- Wind surfing
- Radio controlled model airplane flying
The difference between the static pressure and the pressure of the air rushing into the opening in the bottom of the tube causes the red indicator disc to rise, since the upward pressure in the tube is greater than the weight of the disc. Notice the slight taper in the design of the vertical tube. The red disc has a hole in the center for the slider rod to keep the disc level.
 Photo courtesy Wills Wing, Inc. Air speed indicator |
The air speed indicator fastens to the strut of a hang glider:
 Photo courtesy Wills Wing, Inc. Air speed indicator mounted on a hang glider |
Pitot tube devices and manometers are also used in commercial heating and air conditioning systems for duct air flow measurements.
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