Electrical Gyros in Aircraft

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of the slip rings and brushes in an AC electric gyro?

To induce a current in the rotor bars

To indicate the failure of the power supply

To maintain the erection of the gyro

To feed the three-phase supply to the gyro stator (correct)

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

10 000–15 000 rpm

30 000–40 000 rpm

1 000–2 000 rpm

20 000–23 000 rpm (correct)

What is the effect of the current induced in the rotor bars in an AC electric gyro?

It causes the rotor to slow down

It interacts with the stator's rotating field, causing the rotor to turn (correct)

It heats up the rotor

It produces a constant magnetic field

What is the advantage of DC gyro systems in terms of their operation?

They are simple to operate Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of AC electrically powered gyros over air-driven gyros?

They provide a more rigid gyroscopic reference Signup and view all the answers

What indicates the failure of the power supply in an AC electric gyro?

A flag marked 'off' Signup and view all the answers

What is the design goal for the rotor and its bearings in an electrical gyroscope?

To concentrate the mass of the rotor near the periphery Signup and view all the answers

What type of motor is used in an electrical gyroscope?

Squirrel cage induction motor Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the outer gimbal ring in an electrical gyroscope?

To support the inner gimbal ring Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of electrical gyros over pneumatically driven gyros?

They require less maintenance effort Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the front cover glass and rear casting in an electrical gyroscope?

To support the outer gimbal ring Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a gimbal synchro?

To rotate the pitch bar or horizon disc to indicate the changing attitude of the aircraft Signup and view all the answers

During an ILS approach, what happens if the aircraft is above the glide path?

The glide slope pointer is deflected downwards Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the servomotors in an attitude indicator system?

To rotate the pitch bar or horizon disc to indicate the changing attitude of the aircraft Signup and view all the answers

During an ILS approach, what happens if the aircraft is to the left of the localiser beam and runway centreline?

The localiser pointer is deflected to the right Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a gimbal synchro and an indicator synchro?

The error signal is amplified and routed to the servomotor Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the ILS receiver on board the aircraft?

To detect the signals beamed from ground transmitters Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of regularly caging and resetting the directional gyroscope during flight?

To ensure the correct alignment with the aircraft's heading Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum degree of movement allowed by the inner gimbal?

85 degrees either side of the perpendicular Signup and view all the answers

What is the position of the pointer when the direction has been satisfied?

Vertically through the centre position of the horizon disc Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the torque generated by the rotor exhaust air in the directional gyroscope?

To maintain the inner gimbal erect to the outer gimbal Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the pitch command knob?

To adjust the pitch command bar to the aircraft's level flight attitude Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the command bars when the mode selector is off?

They are removed from view Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the compass card in the heading indicator?

To indicate the aircraft's heading Signup and view all the answers

What is the output of the flight director computer?

Two command or steering pointers on the ADI Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the bevel gear arrangement in later designs of the directional gyroscope?

To produce a vertical display of the aircraft's heading Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the lubber line in the heading indicator?

It represents the direction of the aircraft's nose Signup and view all the answers

What information does the flight director computer process from the pilot's selection?

Information from the pilot's flight director mode select panel Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the conventional meter movements?

To position the glideslope, localiser, flight director steering command pointer and valid flags Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Slip Rings and Brushes in an AC Electric Gyro

Slip rings and brushes are responsible for transferring electrical energy from the stationary part of the electric gyro to the rotating rotor.

AC Electric Gyro Rotor Speed

Rotor speeds in AC electric gyros typically range from 24,000 to 36,000 revolutions per minute (RPM).

Current Induced in Rotor Bars

The current induced in the rotor bars of an AC electric gyro acts as a counter-torque force, ensuring stable rotor operation.

DC Gyro Systems Operation

DC gyro systems offer high accuracy and reliability due to their simplicity and lack of commutator wear.

AC Electric Gyro vs Air-Driven Gyros Advantage

AC electrically powered gyros are advantageous over air-driven gyros due to their lighter weight, smaller size, and reduced maintenance requirements.

Power Supply Failure in an AC Electric Gyro

A failure in the power supply to the AC electric gyro will result in the gyro slowing down and eventually becoming ineffective.

The Design Goal for Rotor and Bearings

The design objective for the rotor and its bearings in an electrical gyroscope is to achieve minimal friction and wear while maintaining high precision.

Electrical Gyroscope Motor Type

Electrical gyroscopes typically utilize induction motors for their reliable operation.

Outer Gimbal Ring Function

The outer gimbal ring in an electrical gyroscope enables the gyro to rotate freely along its horizontal axis.

Electrical Gyros vs Pneumatic Gyros Advantages

Electrical gyros offer significant advantages over pneumatically driven gyros by providing greater accuracy, faster response times, and simplified maintenance.

Front Cover Glass and Rear Casting Purpose

The front cover glass protects the gyro system and the rear casting houses essential components like the windings and slip-ring assembly.

Gimbal Synchro Primary Function

The gimbal synchro transmits the gyro's angular position to the indicator instruments using electrical signals.

Aircraft Above Glide Path During ILS Approach

When an aircraft is above the glide path during an ILS approach, the ILS receiver will provide the pilot with a descent command. The glide slope indicator will show a deviation above the glide path.

Servomotors in Attitude Indicator System

Servomotors in the attitude indicator system are responsible for driving the attitude indicator needle, replicating the aircraft's attitude based on the gyros' output.

Aircraft Left of Localiser Beam During ILS Approach

During an ILS approach, if the aircraft is to the left of the localiser beam and runway centreline, the ILS receiver will provide the pilot with a left course command. The localiser indicator will show a deviation to the left of the runway centreline.

Gimbal Synchro and Indicator Synchro Difference

A gimbal synchro transmits the actual angular position of the gyro, while an indicator synchro displays that position on the instrument.

ILS Receiver Function

The ILS receiver onboard the aircraft picks up radio signals from the localiser and glide slope beacons, providing guidance information for landings.

Caging and Resetting Directional Gyroscope Purpose

Regular caging and resetting of the directional gyroscope during flight ensure accurate heading information by compensating for any drift caused by friction or other factors.

Maximum Degree of Inner Gimbal Movement

The maximum degree of movement allowed by the inner gimbal is limited to 35 degrees.

Pointer Position After Direction is Satisfied

The pointer aligns itself with the desired heading when the direction is satisfied.

Torque Generated by Rotor Exhaust Air

The torque generated by the rotor exhaust air in a directional gyroscope provides an opposing force to maintain the gyro's orientation.

Pitch Command Knob Purpose

The pitch command knob allows the pilot to adjust the vertical guidance provided by the flight director system.

Command Bars When Mode Selector is Off

When the mode selector is switched off, the command bars will remain centred, indicating that the flight director system is not providing any guidance.

Compass Card in Heading Indicator Function

The compass card in the heading indicator displays the aircraft's heading relative to magnetic north.

Flight Director Computer Output

The flight director computer provides the pilot with visual guidance and feedback on the aircraft's heading, pitch, and bank angle.

Bevel Gear Arrangement in Later Designs of Directional Gyroscope

The bevel gear arrangement in later directional gyroscope designs improved the efficiency and accuracy of the system by transferring torque from the gimbal to the compass card.

Significance of Lubber Line in Heading Indicator

The lubber line in the heading indicator represents the aircraft's nose direction, allowing for easy visual reference to the aircraft's current and desired headings.

Flight Director Computer Information from Pilot

The flight director computer processes information about the pilot's desired course, altitude, and other parameters to provide appropriate guidance commands.

Conventional Meter Movements Purpose

Conventional meter movements are used to provide visual feedback to the pilot on various aircraft parameters like altitude, airspeed, and engine performance.

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Description

Learn about the benefits and construction of electrical gyros in aircraft, including their power supply, operation, and maintenance advantages. Understand how they differ from air-driven gyros and their components. Test your knowledge of electrical gyros in aircraft systems.