Gyroscopic Instruments Overview

A spinning mass mounted on bearings, allowing its spin axis to rotate freely in one or two directions perpendicular to the spin axis. This gives it three degrees of freedom: spin, tilt, and yaw.

A spinning mass that resists changes to its orientation.

The tendency of a gyroscope to rotate about an axis perpendicular to both the spin axis and the applied force.

The inner gimbal supports the rotor and allows it to spin freely relative to the frame. It provides one degree of freedom.

Located between the inner gimbal and the support frame, the outer gimbal allows the inner gimbal to rotate freely about a second axis. It provides two degrees of freedom.

The axis of rotation for the spinning rotor, providing one degree of freedom.

The axis about which the inner gimbal rotates, providing a second degree of freedom.

The axis about which the outer gimbal rotates, providing the third degree of freedom.

The ability of a rotating mass to maintain its spin axis direction in space, even when disturbed.

The change in the spin axis of a rotating mass due to an external force.

The tilt or movement of a gyroscope caused by Earth's rotation.

Precession caused by friction and imbalances in the gyroscope's mechanical parts.

Precession caused by applying an external force directly on the gyroscope, like moving the aircraft.

The relationship between the direction of the gyroscope's rotation and the direction of the applied force determines the direction of precession.

Air is used to spin the gyroscope in this method.

Electricity powers the gyroscope in this method.

A gyroscopic instrument that measures the rate of turn and indicates coordinated or uncoordinated turns.

A component within a Turn-and-Slip Indicator that measures the rate of turn.

A component within a Turn-and-Slip Indicator that indicates the aircraft's bank angle and if it is slipping (sliding sideways) or skidding (losing lift) during a turn.

A component within a Turn-and-Slip Indicator that signals to the pilot that the gyroscope is operating and provides a visual indication of any power failures.

A gyroscopic instrument that uses a gyroscope to establish a reference for the aircraft's attitude in flight.

A system that uses a gyroscope to maintain a level attitude reference.

The reference point for measuring aircraft pitch and roll.

The reference point for measuring the aircraft's changes in direction while turning.

The direction of precession is always perpendicular to both the applied force and the spin axis of the gyroscope. Think of it as the gyroscope always trying to move away from the force.

The vacuum pump in a gyroscope instrument is used to create an almost perfect vacuum inside the instrument, minimizing air friction on the gyroscope's rotor and improving its accuracy.

The Turn and Slip indicator (Turn coordinator) is an instrument used in aircraft to show the pilot the direction of the aircraft's turn and any side slip that is occurring. It helps the pilot make coordinated turns.

Indicates if the aircraft is banked correctly for the intended turn, using the principle of gravity and centrifugal force.

A turn indicator used in smaller aircrafts, similar to the Turn-and-Slip, but only shows the coordinated turn.

A standard rate of turn, indicating a 360-degree turn in 2 minutes.

The type of gyroscope used in the Gyro Horizon, which senses displacement (pitch and roll) and keeps the spin axis vertical.

A fixed pointer on the Gyro Horizon, used to indicate the aircraft's bank angle.

A bar on the Gyro Horizon that symbolizes the natural horizon, and shifts based on the aircraft's pitch

The force that makes the gyroscope's spin axis rotate perpendicular to the applied force.

An air-driven gyroscope, typically used in older Gyro Horizons. Air is used to spin the rotor and maintain its orientation.

The main parts of an air-driven Gyro Horizon are: case, filter adapter, gyro, inner and outer gimbals, fast-erection unit, and the horizon dial.

A Gyro Horizon that gets its power from an electrical source.

A device that utilizes the precessional forces of steel balls within a rotating holder to return a gyroscope to the vertical position.

A gyroscopic instrument that indicates the aircraft's heading. It's typically used in conjunction with a magnetic compass.

A gyroscope that has a spin axis that's vertical.

A system that consists of two torque control motors and levelling switches mounted parallel to the lateral and longitudinal axes, used to correct the gyro's position.

A sealed glass tube that contains mercury and electrodes, used to detect and correct displacement in roll or pitch.

It consists of three parts: inner gimbal, outer gimbal, and rotor. The inner gimbal supports the rotor and has one degree of freedom, while the outer gimbal provides two degrees of freedom.

The rotational speed of a gyroscope's rotor. It's measured in rotations per minute (RPM).

The axis along which the gyro's rotor spins. It's the key axis that maintains its direction.

A gyroscope that uses compressed air to power the rotor.

An emergency gyroscope that can be used as a backup for the main artificial horizon in case of power loss.

A device that synchronizes the heading of the directional gyroscope with the magnetic compass to provide an accurate heading reference.

A gyroscope used to measure turn rate or the angle of a turn.

A gyroscope that uses a vertical axis to measure pitch and displacement.