Ferranti Plc

Alistair D Sligh

Brian E Pitches

Apparatus for monitoring the acceleration of an aircraft moving along the ground includes a linear accelerometer (FA) and a rate gyroscope (RG). The accelerometer FA is fixed to the frame of the aircraft with its sensitive axis substantially horizontal, and circuit means A3, A4, are provided to null any output when the aircraft is at rest. The rate gyroscope RG is arranged to correct for any misalignment of the axis of the accelerometer, and further circuits A1, A2 null the output of the gyroscope while the aircraft is at rest. An amplifier A5 adds the outputs of the accelerometer and gyroscope channels, and correction amplifier A6 and unit AD correct the output of the summing amplifier A5 for aerodynamic drag resistance of the aircraft at any instant. The corrected output is applied to a suitable indicator such as a meter M.

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Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Alistair D Sligh