Spherical Attitude Indicators

Icaro · February 19th, 2004, 17:11

I've seen these in pictures of military jets, the X-15, Apollo and space shuttle. The AI is a sphere. My question is what is the sphere representing (beyond just pitch and bank information that we see on GA aircraft)?

MikeD · February 19th, 2004, 17:15

[ QUOTE ]
I've seen these in pictures of military jets, the X-15, Apollo and space shuttle. The AI is a sphere. My question is what is the sphere representing (beyond just pitch and bank information that we see on GA aircraft)?

[/ QUOTE ]

The ADI is the same, just without the inherent limitations of the non-spherical ones. Designed to provide constant info for highly-maneuverable aircraft. In a loop, for example, you get constant accutate pitch info throughout.

RiddlePilot · February 19th, 2004, 17:33

INS/IRS makes this a possibility, correct?

MikeD · February 19th, 2004, 18:32

[ QUOTE ]
INS/IRS makes this a possibility, correct?

[/ QUOTE ]

Not really, but let me elaborate. Aircraft like the T-38, for example, have these ADIs without any INS. When I say constant updates of info, I mean that because the ADI is a sphere or rotating ball, there's no "limit" to it's movement, so to speak. Do a loop with a standard AI, you will eventually reach a pitch limit where the AI is no longer providing any useful info, and will likely tumble. The sphere ADI doesn't do this. Regards INS, they don't "talk" to the ADI, for attitude info, but may "talk" to the ADI in so far as the "D", or director portion of the ADI, the portion that gives nav info. I'm mainly referencing the spherical ADI in it's strict pitch/bank reference sense.

February 19th, 2004, 17:11	#1
Icaro Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: KPMP - Pompano Beach, FL Posts: 87	Spherical Attitude Indicators I've seen these in pictures of military jets, the X-15, Apollo and space shuttle. The AI is a sphere. My question is what is the sphere representing (beyond just pitch and bank information that we see on GA aircraft)?

February 19th, 2004, 17:15	#2
MikeD Administrator Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Pinal Airpark Posts: 6,897	Re: Spherical Attitude Indicators [ QUOTE ] I've seen these in pictures of military jets, the X-15, Apollo and space shuttle. The AI is a sphere. My question is what is the sphere representing (beyond just pitch and bank information that we see on GA aircraft)? [/ QUOTE ] The ADI is the same, just without the inherent limitations of the non-spherical ones. Designed to provide constant info for highly-maneuverable aircraft. In a loop, for example, you get constant accutate pitch info throughout.

February 19th, 2004, 17:33	#3
RiddlePilot Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Prescott, AZ Posts: 928	Re: Spherical Attitude Indicators INS/IRS makes this a possibility, correct?

February 19th, 2004, 18:32	#4
MikeD Administrator Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Pinal Airpark Posts: 6,897	Re: Spherical Attitude Indicators [ QUOTE ] INS/IRS makes this a possibility, correct? [/ QUOTE ] Not really, but let me elaborate. Aircraft like the T-38, for example, have these ADIs without any INS. When I say constant updates of info, I mean that because the ADI is a sphere or rotating ball, there's no "limit" to it's movement, so to speak. Do a loop with a standard AI, you will eventually reach a pitch limit where the AI is no longer providing any useful info, and will likely tumble. The sphere ADI doesn't do this. Regards INS, they don't "talk" to the ADI, for attitude info, but may "talk" to the ADI in so far as the "D", or director portion of the ADI, the portion that gives nav info. I'm mainly referencing the spherical ADI in it's strict pitch/bank reference sense.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode