chris
Well-Known Member
Hey guys,
I have q uestion in regards to the AI and HI principles of operation.
Now, correct me if I am wrong, but it is my understanding that for the HI, the gyro is mounted vertically and spins about its horizontal axis. Although the gyro itself obeys rigidity in space (the axis of rotation stays the same), the gimbals are free to move. As the a/c yaws, the movement of the gimbals causes the compass card to rotate.
As far as the AI is concerned, the gyro is mounted horizontally and spins about its vertical axis. Like the HI, the principle of operation is the rigidity in space principle. The gyro itself does not move, but when the a/c banks or pitches up/down, the gimbals move which cause the horizon bar to move. The horizon bar is attached to the gyro by a pivoted arm which allows it to move up and down only. When you pitch up, there is a downward force on the pivot arm which causes the artificial horizon bar to move down.
First of all, are my understandings correct? Anyone have any pictures of the internal instruments which actually shows the gyros?
Second of all (this Q may seem weird) if it is the gimbals that cause the HI and horizon bar to move, what is the purpose of the gyro itself (i.e. the rotor)? I guess the rotors provide a stable reference, but they do not cause the compass card to move or the horizon bar to move up/down- the gimbals do that. Would it be possible to have a system similar to the gyroscope with no rotor?
I hope someone can clear these misunderstandings up.
I have q uestion in regards to the AI and HI principles of operation.
Now, correct me if I am wrong, but it is my understanding that for the HI, the gyro is mounted vertically and spins about its horizontal axis. Although the gyro itself obeys rigidity in space (the axis of rotation stays the same), the gimbals are free to move. As the a/c yaws, the movement of the gimbals causes the compass card to rotate.
As far as the AI is concerned, the gyro is mounted horizontally and spins about its vertical axis. Like the HI, the principle of operation is the rigidity in space principle. The gyro itself does not move, but when the a/c banks or pitches up/down, the gimbals move which cause the horizon bar to move. The horizon bar is attached to the gyro by a pivoted arm which allows it to move up and down only. When you pitch up, there is a downward force on the pivot arm which causes the artificial horizon bar to move down.
First of all, are my understandings correct? Anyone have any pictures of the internal instruments which actually shows the gyros?
Second of all (this Q may seem weird) if it is the gimbals that cause the HI and horizon bar to move, what is the purpose of the gyro itself (i.e. the rotor)? I guess the rotors provide a stable reference, but they do not cause the compass card to move or the horizon bar to move up/down- the gimbals do that. Would it be possible to have a system similar to the gyroscope with no rotor?
I hope someone can clear these misunderstandings up.
