2-AXIS ULTRASONIC ANEMOMETER
Small by design. Tough by nature.
Serious wind measurement when space, weight and survivability matter
When every gram, millimetre and watt has to justify its place, the challenge isn’t simply measuring the wind. It’s doing it without making the sensor another constraint on the system.
Heating fitted as standard
Rated -40°C to +70°C
Up to 75 m/s
Ultrasonic, no moving parts
Sealed to IP69k
Also rated IP66 and IP68
270 g with 1 inch pole mount
2 inch pole mount also available
- No moving partsUltrasonic measurement, with no cups, vanes or bearings
- Modbus and SDI-12Digital outputs for Modbus and SDI-12 networks, see the options
- Under 100 mWUnheated consumption in calm conditions
- Aggressively testedDust and sand, pressurised water, impact, shock, vibration and altitude
The measurement problem
When the system has limits, the sensor needs to respect them
Some applications have room for a conventional wind sensor. Others don't. A UAV has a payload limit. A USV has finite power and space. A remote monitoring system may be somewhere you would rather not send an engineer with a toolbox. An embedded system may have millimetres to spare.
WindUltra was designed for precisely these situations. It brings serious wind measurement to applications where weight and footprint matter. It measures wind speed from 0 to 75 m/s, uses solid-state ultrasonic technology with no moving parts, and is built to withstand demanding environments.
The result is a sensor that fits the application, rather than asking the application to accommodate the sensor.
270 g with its mount
Light enough for drones, uncrewed vessels and mobile platforms.
Sealed to IP69k
Also rated IP66 and IP68.
Heating fitted as standard
Rated -40 °C to +70 °C for cold and icing conditions.
No moving parts
No cups, vanes or bearings to wear or seize.
Configure your WindUltra
One sensor, set up for the platform it rides on
There is one WindUltra. What you choose is the pole mount that suits the mast and the output your system speaks.
WindUltra
When weight, size or power is the binding constraint, or the sensor needs IP68 and IP69K protection.
No single WindUltra does all of that. Our team can suggest a pairing.
Two rapid-mounting options: a 1-inch (25 to 26 mm) twist-lock pole mount and a 1.75 to 2 inch (44 to 51 mm) band-clamp mount, with alignment features built into the mounting system. Outputs are RS485 or RS422, SDI-12 and a configurable Modbus RTU string, with USB for configuration. Mounting hardware is listed in the WindUltra accessories datasheet.
WindUltra vs other Gill sensors
Different constraints call for different sensors
WindUltra isn't trying to be WindSonic. It is the specialist when space, weight, survivability and environmental protection drive the specification. It has no intrinsically safe version, so it is not for hazardous areas.
When the installation is conventional
- Dependable general-purpose 2-axis wind speed and direction
- Outputs pre-set for the protocol your logger or PLC speaks
- WindSonic M adds a heated anodised aluminium body
When approvals or certification decide the specification
- Stainless steel 316, heated down to -55 °C
- Lloyd's Register Type Approval on WindObserver 65, 70, 75, 90 and II
- WindObserver IS, certified for ATEX, IECEx and UKEX hazardous areas
Not sure which fits? Make an enquiry
Choosing between them
Which Gill wind sensor, side by side
WindUltra is the answer to a constraint, not to every wind measurement. All three of these reach 75 m/s. What separates them is size, heating, construction and approvals. Every figure is from the released datasheets.
| Specification | Small, light or mobileWindUltra | General purposeWindSonic 75 | Heated stainless steelWindObserver 75 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choose it when | Space, weight or power is tight, or the sensor needs IP68 and IP69K protection | The site needs headroom above 60 m/s but no heating or approvals | Icing, high wind or turbine control, with marine approval |
| Wind speed | 0 to 75 m/s (168 mph) | 0 to 75 m/s (146 knots) | 0 to 75 m/s (168 mph) |
| Direction | 0 to 360° | 0 to 360°, no dead band | 0 to 360°, no dead band |
| Heating | Fitted as standard | No | 7 A at 24 V AC or DC |
| Operating temp | -40 °C to +70 °C | -35 °C to +70 °C | -55 °C to +70 °C with heating |
| Weight | 270 g with 1 inch pole mount | 0.5 kg | 1.3 kg with connector, 1.7 kg with 2 m cable |
| IP rating | IP66, IP68, IP69k | IP66 | IP66 (NEMA 4X) |
| Outputs | RS485 or RS422, SDI-12, Modbus RTU, USB | RS232, RS422, RS485, Modbus RTU, analogue | RS422, RS485 |
| Approvals | BS EN 60945 | Not stated | Lloyd's Register Type Approved |
| Datasheet | Datasheet | Datasheet | Datasheet |
The technology
What you don't have to carry matters
A sensor can be small. Its impact on the system can still be significant. Every component takes up space, consumes power and adds weight. On an autonomous platform, those costs affect payload, endurance and architecture.
WindUltra uses solid-state ultrasonic technology to measure wind speed and direction without mechanical movement. There are no rotating cups, direction vanes or bearings in the wind measurement system, removing mechanical wear points while keeping the sensor compact and lightweight.
Weight and footprint
When weight is part of the specification
On a UAV or drone, every component contributes to the payload and power budget. On a USV or autonomous platform, reducing unnecessary weight can help simplify the overall system architecture. On portable or temporary monitoring equipment, a lighter sensor makes installation, transport and deployment easier.
WindUltra weighs 270 g with its 1-inch pole mount, while still providing 2-axis ultrasonic wind measurement from 0 to 75 m/s and wind direction across 0 to 360°. Low weight has been achieved without reducing the measurement capability the application needs.
How ultrasonic wind measurement worksAccuracy across the full range
Tested beyond the rating
Wind-blown dust and sand, pressurised water, hammer impact, shock, vibration and altitude. In independent testing it kept measuring through three hours of sand at 30 m/s.
View specifications →Built for cold
Operates from -40 °C to +70 °C with heating fitted as standard. Heater power depends on the configuration, so confirm it with us for the installation.
See the operating range →Speaks your system's language
RS485 or RS422, SDI-12 and Modbus RTU, with USB for configuration, plus WindSet software and engineering support.
See mounting and outputs →Applications
Where WindUltra earns its footprint
WindUltra is suited to applications where several constraints arrive together: limited payload, restricted space, autonomous operation, environmental exposure or difficult maintenance access.
USVs and autonomous marineAn unattended marine platform has finite power, space and maintenance access. WindUltra combines low weight, a compact design, high ingress protection and no moving parts.USVs and autonomous marine →
Buoys and floating platformsMobile and floating platforms where a larger sensor would not survive, and where weight and size are the constraint.Met-ocean and coastal →
Wind energyWindUltra measures to 75 m/s and is sealed to IP69k, in a sensor small enough to sit on a met mast or a nacelle.Renewable energy →
Pollution plume monitoringWind determines where a plume travels. WindUltra provides the continuous 2-axis wind data needed to follow how pollution disperses.Environmental pollution control →Technical specification
A lot of engineering in a compact sensor
| Specification | WindUltra |
|---|---|
| Wind speed | 0 to 75 m/s (168 mph, 270 km/h) |
| Wind direction | 0 to 360° |
| Output rate | 1, 2, 4 or 8 Hz |
| Ingress protection | IP66, IP68 and IP69k |
| Operating temperature | -40 °C to +70 °C |
| Heating | Fitted as standard |
| Weight | 270 g with 1 inch pole mount |
| Pole mounts | 1 inch (25 to 26 mm) twist-lock or 1.75 to 2 inch (44 to 51 mm) band-clamp |
| Pole mount height | 107 mm |
| Outputs | RS485 or RS422, SDI-12, Modbus RTU, USB |
| Power, unheated | Under 100 mW in calm conditions |
| Datasheet | 1416-0002 Iss 2 |
Heater power depends on the configuration. Take exact electrical, power and communication figures from the current datasheet and user manual rather than inferring them from this summary.
Accessories
WindUltra accessories
Cables, connectors, pole mounts and the set-up lead for WindUltra.
In the box. WindUltra ships with either a mating connector or a 2 m cable, depending on the variant you order.
Cables
- Power and comms cable, 2 m, M12 fitted
- Power and comms cable, 10 m, M12 fitted
- Power and comms cable, 20 m, M12 fitted
- Cable, 4 pair, cut to length
- Cable, 4 pair, low smoke, cut to length
Connectors
- M12 connector, 8 way, field wireable
Mounting
- Pole mount, 1 inch (25 to 26 mm)
- Pole mount, 2 inch (44 to 51 mm)
- Pole mount adaptor kit
Set-up and configuration
- Set-up cable, USB to micro USB, 0.8 m
Order accessories with your sensor or on their own. Quote the part number when you get in touch. See the accessories datasheet
Technical resources
Everything you need to specify, install and configure WindUltra
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is WindUltra?
WindUltra is a compact 2-axis ultrasonic anemometer designed for applications where low weight, small footprint and environmental survivability are important.
Can WindUltra operate in cold weather?
Yes. WindUltra operates from -40°C to +70°C, with integral heating fitted as standard for low-temperature and icing conditions.
How much power does the WindUltra heater use?
Consumption without heating is under 100 mW in calm conditions. Heater power depends on the configuration, so confirm it with us against the current manual for your installation.
Can WindUltra be used on a UAV or drone?
Yes. Its 150 g weight, compact footprint and 2-axis wind measurement make it suited to UAV and drone applications where payload and space are constrained.
Can WindUltra be used on a USV?
Yes. Its low weight, environmental protection, solid-state sensing and integration options make it suitable for autonomous marine platforms.
What mounting options are available?
WindUltra supports a 1-inch / 25–26 mm twist-lock pole mount and a 1.75–2 inch / 44–51 mm band-clamp mount, with alignment features integrated into the mounting system.
What is the difference between WindUltra and WindSonic?
WindSonic is the general-purpose option for conventional 2-axis wind measurement. WindUltra is designed specifically for applications where weight, footprint, environmental protection, autonomous operation or survivability are more significant constraints.
What is the difference between WindUltra and WindObserver?
WindUltra prioritises compact size, low weight and environmental survivability. WindObserver is designed for more demanding specialist applications where features such as hazardous-area certification, aviation acceptance, marine approvals or higher wind-speed ranges are required.
Is WindUltra ATEX or IECEx certified?
WindUltra should not be positioned as an ATEX/IECEx alternative. Where hazardous-area certification is required, an appropriately certified WindObserver configuration should be specified.
Have an application to discuss?
Speak to our team
Tell us what you need to measure, where and under what conditions. We’ll help you work out the appropriate approach.
Enquiring about WindUltra
- Our team replies. Not an account manager, and not a queue.
- We aim to respond in one working day. Monday to Friday.
- No obligation. Just honest advice on whether Gill is the right fit.