Gyroscope use in aviation
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Gyroscope Principles and Types in Aviation
Gyroscopes are essential in aviation for their properties of rigidity and precession, which are used in various aircraft instruments. Traditional gyroscopes are powered either by electric motors or by air pressure, and they are fundamental in devices like the attitude indicator (artificial horizon), which shows the aircraft's bank and pitch angles relative to the Earth's horizon—crucial for flight without external visual cues. Recent advancements have introduced Micro-Electromechanical System (MEMS) gyroscopes, which are expected to become standard in new aircraft due to their compactness and reliability .
Fiber Optic Gyroscopes and Inertial Navigation
Fiber optic gyroscopes (FOGs), which use the Sagnac effect, have become increasingly important in aircraft inertial navigation systems. FOGs offer higher accuracy in measuring small angles compared to traditional ring laser gyroscopes, and they are also more compact, reliable, and cost-effective. The integration of fiber optic accelerometers further enhances the performance of these systems 23. Advanced interferometric FOGs, especially those using photonic crystal fibers, have improved precision and reduced size, making them ideal for aviation and aerospace applications . Laser-driven FOGs have achieved the performance required for commercial aircraft navigation, with low noise and drift, meeting strict regulatory standards 79.
Gyroscopic Damping and Aircraft Stability
Gyroscopes are not only used for navigation but also for improving aircraft stability. Powered gyroscopes can be implemented as part of gyroscopic damping systems to reduce vibrations in large aircraft, especially those with engines mounted on elastic pylons under the wings. Experimental studies have shown that these systems can significantly decrease oscillation amplitudes and increase flutter speed, enhancing the dynamic stability and safety of the aircraft .
Control Moment Gyroscopes in eVTOL Aircraft
Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs) are being integrated into electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft to improve passenger comfort. By actively controlling the aircraft's attitude and reducing oscillations caused by wind disturbances, CMGs help maintain stability and reduce discomfort for occupants, all while consuming low power .
Emerging Technologies: Miniaturized and Nuclear Spin Gyroscopes
Research is ongoing into even smaller and more sensitive gyroscopes, such as those based on nuclear spins in diamond. These devices are capable of detecting very slow rotational speeds, which are relevant for aviation, and could lead to a new generation of ultrasensitive, microchip-sized gyroscopes suitable for lightweight and autonomous aircraft systems .
High-Precision Hemispherical Resonator Gyroscopes
Hemispherical Resonator Gyroscopes (HRGs) are also being used in aerospace navigation systems. New control schemes have been developed to improve their precision and reduce errors, making them more reliable for high-precision navigation tasks in aviation .
Conclusion
Gyroscopes play a critical role in aviation, from basic flight instruments to advanced inertial navigation and stability systems. Innovations such as fiber optic gyroscopes, MEMS devices, gyroscopic damping systems, and control moment gyroscopes are enhancing accuracy, reliability, and comfort in both traditional and emerging aircraft. Ongoing research into miniaturized and high-precision gyroscopes promises even greater advancements for the future of aviation.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic