Pitot Tube

A Pitot tube is a device used in aviation to measure the airspeed of an aircraft. It is a small tube that is mounted on the exterior of the aircraft, typically on the wing or fuselage. The Pitot tube has two openings: one facing directly into the oncoming airflow, and another opening on the side that measures static pressure.

When the aircraft is in motion, the oncoming airflow enters the front opening of the Pitot tube, creating a pressure difference between the front and side openings. This pressure difference is used to calculate the airspeed of the aircraft.

The Pitot tube is connected to the flight instruments inside the cockpit, such as the airspeed indicator. The airspeed indicator displays the aircraft's speed based on the pressure readings from the Pitot tube.

In the supply class Flight Instruments, the Pitot tube is categorized as an instrument used specifically for measuring airspeed. It falls under the supply group Instruments And Laboratory Equipment, which includes various instruments and equipment used in aviation and laboratory settings.