AIR DATA SYSTEM FOR AN AIRCRAFT

An electrode-arc sensor for measuring air data. The sensor includes a pair of electrodes which are arranged substantially parallel to one another to form a fluid gap therebetween. The fluid gap is arranged to receive a stream of fluid such as air. A voltage source is operatively connected to the pair of electrodes to generate a voltage and induce an arc therebetween. A controller operatively connected to the voltage source is configured to command the voltage source to generate a voltage until the arc is induced. Once induced, a time-series of the voltage measurements is generated based on a voltage sensor across the pair of electrodes. The ionized air surrounding the induced arc is acted upon by the fluid stream. The controller determines a fluid speed and fluid density of the fluid stream based on the time series of voltage measurement as the arc travels past the pair of electrodes.