2-AXIS ULTRASONIC ANEMOMETER
Small by design.
Tough by nature.
When every gram, millimetre and watt counts, the challenge is to deliver reliable wind measurement without adding unnecessary demands on the wider system. WindUltra is designed for applications where a compact footprint, low weight and the ability to withstand demanding conditions all matter. Small sensor. Serious capability.
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, solved
When space, weight and power are limited, every detail matters
A UAV has a strict payload budget. A USV has finite space and power. A remote monitoring station may be difficult to reach. An embedded system may have millimetres to spare. Different applications, same challenge: fitting reliable wind measurement into a system with little room for compromise.
WindUltra brings 2-axis ultrasonic wind measurement to these demanding environments. Weighing just 270 g with its 1-inch pole mount, it measures wind speeds from 0 to 75 m/s, with no moving parts in the wind measurement system. Compact, lightweight and built for demanding conditions, it gives engineers more freedom to design around the application.
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.
Configured for your platform.
WindUltra is one sensor, with a choice of pole mounts to suit the installation and output options to match your system.
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 applications.
Different sensors.
From straightforward wind measurement to demanding environments where certification, environmental protection or specialist performance matters, the right sensor depends on the installation and its requirements. Explore the options below to find the best fit for your application.
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 |
Compact integration
When space is at a premium
On an uncrewed vessel, a mast, a compact weather station or a portable monitoring system, space is rarely spare. Sensors must fit around other equipment, mounting points and the demands of the wider system. Bulky instrumentation can complicate installation and constrain the overall design.
WindUltra brings 2-axis ultrasonic wind measurement into a compact form, helping engineers integrate wind sensing where space is limited and a conventional installation may not fit.
Weight and footprint
Every gram counts
Whether it’s flying, floating or deployed in the field, every gram has a job to do. At just 270 g with its 1-inch pole mount, WindUltra delivers 2-axis ultrasonic wind measurement across a wind speed range of 0 to 75 m/s and direction range of 0 to 360°. Its compact, lightweight design retains the measurement range needed for demanding applications.
On UAVs and drones, autonomous vessels, remote weather stations and portable monitoring systems, sensor weight can affect payload, power budgets and deployment. Whether integrating instruments onto a compact mast, fitting out an uncrewed platform or transporting equipment to a temporary field site, the WindUltra earns its place.
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 3 |
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.