Gyro Compass System

A gyro compass system is a navigational instrument used to determine the true north direction. It is commonly used in ships and aircraft to provide accurate heading information.

The gyro compass system consists of a gyroscope, which is a spinning wheel or disc that maintains its orientation in space, and a compass card that indicates the direction of true north. The gyroscope is mounted on gimbals, which allow it to remain stable and unaffected by the motion of the ship or aircraft.

The gyro compass system operates based on the principle of gyroscopic precession. As the gyroscope spins, it resists any change in its orientation. When the ship or aircraft changes its heading, the gyroscope experiences a force that causes it to precess, or tilt, in the direction of the change. This precession is measured and used to determine the true north direction.

Gyro compass systems are highly accurate and reliable, providing continuous heading information even in rough seas or turbulent air. They are essential for safe navigation, as they allow the crew to accurately plot their course and avoid obstacles.

In the supply group Instruments And Laboratory Equipment, gyro compass systems are classified under the supply class Navigational Instruments. This class includes various instruments used for navigation purposes, such as compasses, sextants, and GPS devices. Gyro compass systems are specifically designed to provide accurate heading information and are widely used in marine and aviation industries.