What is the object on the nose of this HondaJet in this marketing video?

Question

In the third Hondajet marketing video there is a sword-like object visible on the nose of the aircraft.

What is this used for?

It is not sword like. Swords are flat with sharp edges while this pole is round. — Jan Hudec, Jun 02 '16 at 06:21
Fair enough, but I didn't know a better way to describe it :) — , Jun 02 '16 at 06:26
Unfortunately the related question search is pretty poor as it is and poor wording does not exactly help. I am pretty sure there is a long answer somewhere describing where it is best to place the pitot tube and why, but it is unfortunately hard to find without remembering the exact words it uses. — Jan Hudec, Jun 02 '16 at 07:11
@vvanscherpenseel "Spear like" would be the more accurate term. At least if you want to stick i the realm of bronze age weapons... ;) — Jae Carr, Jun 03 '16 at 15:05

score 6 · Accepted Answer · edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:59

6

It is used to measure some air data values, depending on the model.

The most basic will measure only pressures (and then "derives" the velocity of the aircraft), the most advanced will measure angle of attack and sideslip as well.

The one in the photo is particularly long to make sure that is measuring values in the undisturbed airflow in front of the aircraft. It is a model usually seen in flight tests or on fighter aircraft.

In flight tests, because despite the accurate CFD modelling available today, uncertainties are still present during the first flights (that's why they are tests). The long probe gives a reference as much undisturbed as possible.

During normal operations you will generally find smaller probes, such as the ones found in this other question.

Fighter aircraft need the long boom for the reasons seen in this question.

edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:59

Community

1

answered Jun 02 '16 at 06:22

Federico

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Thanks for explaining! So it seems that footage from test flights was used in the marketing video :) – Jun 02 '16 at 06:26
Alright, good point. I'll keep it mind for future questions. – Jun 02 '16 at 10:51
@mins expanded a bit and pointed at the other questions on the topic – Federico Jun 02 '16 at 11:28
I've heard if you have a private jet you don't need a long probe – TomMcW Jun 02 '16 at 20:54
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@TomMcW ? did I say you need it? if it is not private it is different? or if it not a jet? I fail to grasp the relevance of your statement. – Federico Jun 02 '16 at 20:59
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@Federico You're missing the double entendre. – TomMcW Jun 02 '16 at 21:09
@TomMcW there's a reason for which people call me Sheldon. – Federico Jun 03 '16 at 06:52

What is the object on the nose of this HondaJet in this marketing video?

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