Crosswind Speed Meters

A wind speed meter is commonly called an anemometer. For crosswind-specific applications, devices are referred to as crosswind sensors or optical anemometers. OSI's LOA-005 is a long-baseline optical anemometer that measures both crosswind velocity and atmospheric turbulence (Cn²) over distances from 100 meters to 10 km using optical scintillation technology.

OSI's LOA-005 Long-Baseline Optical Anemometer covers measurement ranges from 100 meters up to 10 km, making it suitable for fenceline monitoring, airport wake vortex detection, and atmospheric research. The LOA-105 for aluminum smelters covers ranges up to 3 km for indoor industrial environments.

No. OSI's crosswind sensors use a DSP-based design that eliminates the need for field calibration. AGC circuitry automatically compensates for LED output power drop, contaminated optics, and dusty air conditions, ensuring consistent and accurate measurements without user intervention throughout the sensor's operational life.

Crosswind speed meters are used across aviation (wake vortex and runway crosswind detection), industrial fenceline monitoring (refineries, chemical plants), aluminum smelting (EPA Method 14 compliance), environmental research, wind energy, and emergency hazmat response. OSI serves clients including the FAA, NASA, NOAA, EPA, and major energy corporations globally.

Yes. OSI's crosswind sensors carry several regulatory approvals. The LOA-005 is approved by NOAA, the Environmental Technology Laboratories (ETL), and the EPA, and is CE and ISO 9001:2015 certified. The LOA-105 holds EPA Method 14 Equivalency Approval for measuring airflow velocity in aluminum smelter roof vents.

OSI crosswind sensors are engineered for minimal maintenance. Preventative maintenance is required only every 6 months and consists of cleaning windows and checking optical alignment. Internal diagnostics monitor system health 24/7/365, and the AGC circuitry compensates for gradual optical degradation, reducing unplanned downtime significantly compared to mechanical anemometers.