Take a look at the fourth page of the issue’s cover. A gyroscope is depicted in the center.
Such a device with free (unfixed) gimbal frames records the evolution of a moving ship or aircraft. If the outer frame is fixed and the Y-axis is directed toward the zenith, then the Z-axis will constantly point to the north — the gyroscope turns into a gyrocompass. If we set the Y-axis horizontally and along the local parallel, we obtain a gyrolatitude device. The angle between the Z-axis and the horizontal will indicate the latitude. It is difficult to list all the roles a gyroscope can perform. The upper part of the cover shows diagrams of only three devices.
Gyro-vertical. The rotor axis is perpendicular to the plane of flight of the vehicle—aircraft, rocket, etc. A potentiometer slider is fixed on the upper axis of the outer frame. The potentiometer itself is mounted on the rocket body. If, under external influences, it begins to deviate from the vertical flight plane, the potentiometer will rotate together with the body, while the slider will remain stationary due to the gyroscope’s property of maintaining its orientation in space. As a result, the potentiometer winding shifts relative to the slider, which generates an electrical signal to the autopilot. It turns the control surfaces and restores the flight direction.
To prevent the rocket from rolling about its longitudinal axis, a second potentiometer is installed. It is mounted on the outer frame of the gyroscope, at the bottom.
Gyro-horizon. The rotor axis is positioned horizontally along the flight plane. On the axis of the outer frame, on the side, a slider is fixed and a potentiometer is installed, which can rotate about its axis. By means of a belt drive, the potentiometer is connected to a cam mounted on the rocket frame. A special clockwork mechanism rotates the cam about its axis. The cam profile is designed so that when the angle β of deviation of the instrument’s longitudinal axis from the horizontal changes within the limits set by the flight program, the cam’s rotation does not cause the potentiometer to rotate. If the angle β exceeds the specified value, the additional rotation of the frame will also cause the potentiometer to rotate. The zero point of the potentiometer winding shifts relative to the slider — a signal is sent to the autopilot.
The constant orientation of the gyroscope rotor axis is the main condition for maintaining the заданная direction of flight. However, in practice, this axis may deviate under the influence of external forces. To prevent such deviation, various correction devices are used.
Pendulum correction device. A pendulum is mounted on the outer gimbal frame, which can freely rotate about its axis. Its lower end serves as the slider of a potentiometer mounted on the outer frame. If the gyroscope frame deviates from the vertical position under the influence of external forces, the potentiometer will rotate relative to the pendulum-slider. As a result, an electrical signal is generated. The autopilot, through a motor, applies a torque to the gyroscope opposite to that of the external forces and returns the gyroscope axis to its initial position.