GYROSCOPIC SYSTEMS

RIGIDITY IN SPACE

PRINCIPLES
Rigidity in space is the tendency of a spinning gyroscope to maintain a fixed position in space. Precession is the tilting or turning of the gyro axis as a result of applied forces (real), or as a result of its relationship to the earth (apparent). Note: see gyroscopes.org

TYPES OF PRECESSION
Apparent precession:
Earth rate: As the earth rotates 360 in 24 hours, a gyro will appear to tilt its spin access at 15/hour; in reality the gyro has maintained its orientation in space. Transport: A gyro moved from the equator to a pole would appear to have tilted 90 due to the earths spherical shape.

 Real Precession:
Causes gyros to wander from their true orientation in space. Caused by imperfections in the gyros, friction at the pivot points due to wear or dirt, or by deliberately applying force to the gyro gimbals to re-align them to local vertical or true north.

COMPENSATING FOR PRECESSION

Earth Rate: Most compass systems have a compass controller that when set properly will compensate for earth rate. There are settings on the controller for latitude and hemisphere. An electric motor applies force to the gyro imparting real precession that is equal and opposite to the earth rate. Transport: Use of GRID navigation eliminates transport precession. Real: Actual gyro precession can be predicted or tracked and compensated for by applying corrective force to the gyro.

POWER SOURCES
A power source is needed to spin and erect a gyro. Air driven: Filtered, engine derived vacuum air can be used to power (spin), and erect a gyro. Electric: Aircraft designed to operate at higher altitudes where air density is less incorporate an electric power source.

APPLICATIONS
List any aircraft instrument you can think of which incorporates the use of a gyroscope: Heading Indicator Horizontal Situation Indicator Turn Coordinator Radio Magnetic Indicator Attitude Indicator Inertial Navigation System