In autopilot sensing, which device's operating principle is used to measure attitude rate?

In autopilot sensing, which device's operating principle is used to measure attitude rate?

• A. Magnetic compass
• B. GPS
• C. Gyro
• D. Pitot-static sensor

Answer: (C)

Attitude rate is the speed at which the aircraft’s orientation changes around its axes. To measure this directly for autopilot sensing, a gyro is used. A gyroscope responds to angular velocity and provides a signal proportional to how fast the aircraft is rotating about each axis (roll, pitch, and yaw). Modern systems use MEMS or spinning mass gyros to give the rate of turn or rate of change of attitude, which the autopilot can integrate or fuse with other sensors to maintain stability. Magnetic compass only tells direction relative to the Earth’s magnetic field and doesn’t measure rotation speed. GPS can give position and velocity but not the instantaneous rotational rate. Pitot-static sensors measure dynamic pressure and altitude/vertical speed, not angular motion.

Attitude rate is the speed at which the aircraft’s orientation changes around its axes. To measure this directly for autopilot sensing, a gyro is used. A gyroscope responds to angular velocity and provides a signal proportional to how fast the aircraft is rotating about each axis (roll, pitch, and yaw). Modern systems use MEMS or spinning mass gyros to give the rate of turn or rate of change of attitude, which the autopilot can integrate or fuse with other sensors to maintain stability.

Magnetic compass only tells direction relative to the Earth’s magnetic field and doesn’t measure rotation speed. GPS can give position and velocity but not the instantaneous rotational rate. Pitot-static sensors measure dynamic pressure and altitude/vertical speed, not angular motion.