An artificial horizon and direction gyro suitable for sailplanes

Abstract

This note argues that the artificial horizon, together with the direction gyro, form the ideal pair of instruments for the accurate and safe flying of sailplanes in clouds. A description is given of a pair developed from German instruments together with full details of their weight, size and current consumption. It is shown that for a total weight of 20 lb. (9 kg) a sailplane can be fitted with an electrically driven horizon and direction gyro which will run continuously for six hours before the batteries need re-charging. The batteries used were the Venner silver-zinc accumulators.