AC Electric Gyros: Principles of Operation

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What is the purpose of the slip rings and brushes or finger contact assemblies in an AC electric gyro?

To supply power to the gyro stator (correct)

To maintain the erection of the gyro

To generate a rotating magnetic field

To induce a current in the rotor bars

What is the approximate speed of the rotor in an AC electric gyro?

15 000–18 000 rpm

10 000–12 000 rpm

20 000–23 000 rpm (correct)

25 000–30 000 rpm

What is the purpose of the torque motors in an AC electric gyro?

To generate a rotating magnetic field

To indicate power supply failure

To maintain the erection of the gyro (correct)

To induce a current in the rotor bars

What is indicated by a flag marked 'off' in an AC electric gyro?

The power supply has failed Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of DC gyro systems over AC systems?

Rugged, light-weight instrument Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process when the outer gimbal rotates 180 degrees due to the forces acting on the gimbal system?

Toppling Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of unavoidable precession in a gyro?

Friction of gimbal bearings Signup and view all the answers

What happens when deflective forces are too strong or applied rapidly to a gyro?

The gyro rotor topples over Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum consequence of a gyro rotor toppling over?

The bearings are damaged and the instrument is rendered useless Signup and view all the answers

What type of gyro has complete freedom about three axes that are acting at right angles to each other?

Space gyro Signup and view all the answers

What is the assumption for a space gyro to maintain its position relative to space for an indefinite time?

There are no gimbal or rotor bearing imperfections or external forces Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of a greater moment of inertia and greater angular velocity on the rate of precession?

The rate of precession decreases Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the plane of rotation when a force is applied to a rotor?

It aligns with the plane of the applied force Signup and view all the answers

What is the axis called where a torque is applied to a rotor?

Input axis Signup and view all the answers

Why do we feel rigidity resisting us when we turn the handlebars of a spinning bicycle wheel?

Due to precession trying to twist the handlebars Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the course deviation bar in the Horizontal Situation Indicator?

To display the offset distance from the selected track Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of mechanical stops in a gimbal system?

To prevent gimbal lock Signup and view all the answers

What is represented by the small fixed symbol at the centre of the Horizontal Situation Indicator?

The aircraft itself Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the spin axis of the rotor becomes aligned with the axis of the outer gimbal?

The gimbals become locked Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the heading bug in the Horizontal Situation Indicator?

To position the desired heading Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of the aircraft heading information in the Horizontal Situation Indicator?

Different systems, including the inertial navigation system Signup and view all the answers

What is displayed on the azimuth card in the Horizontal Situation Indicator?

The magnetic heading of the aircraft Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of the Electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator (EHSI)?

A moving map display with superimposed weather radar information Signup and view all the answers

What happens when an aircraft is turning too fast for its bank angle?

The ball moves to the outside of the index marks. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a turn coordinator in an aircraft?

To indicate the rate of turn and alignment of the wings. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the ball when the angle of bank is too high?

It drops below the index marks. Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of a skidding turn?

The aircraft is turning too fast for its bank angle. Signup and view all the answers

What does the ball in the turn coordinator indicate when the aircraft is being flown in a coordinated manner?

The ball is centred. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a turn coordinator and a turn-and-bank indicator?

The turn coordinator responds more quickly to changes in the aircraft's bank. Signup and view all the answers