Multifunction Optical Fuel Sensor for Aviation (MOFSA)

MOFSA will produce a concept demonstrator of a multi-function optical sensor capable of simultaneous measurements of pressure, temperature, liquid level and refractive index for aviation fuel measurement.
The arrival of composite wings makes it desirable to remove electrical sensors from aircraft wing fuel tanks due to the increased costs of providing protection against lightning strike and managing interference from other electrical equipment. Optical sensors have the potential to provide an alternative as optical sensors are typically passive devices which are immune to EMI and present no ignition risk when mounted within an explosive atmosphere or in flammable liquids. The MOFSA sensor aims to meet the needs for sensing in this environment.