Which device is used to sense rotation in an electromechanical autopilot system?

Which device is used to sense rotation in an electromechanical autopilot system?

• A. Gyro
• B. Accelerometer
• C. Magnetometer
• D. Barometer

Answer: (A)

Sensing rotation requires measuring angular velocity, not linear motion or environmental cues. A gyroscope provides this by detecting how fast the aircraft is rotating about each axis, and the autopilot uses those angular-rate signals to determine attitude changes and apply stabilizing inputs. An accelerometer measures linear acceleration, not rotation. A magnetometer gives heading relative to Earth’s magnetic field, not rotation rate. A barometer measures altitude via air pressure, not rotational motion. So for detecting rotation in an electromechanical autopilot, the gyroscope is the appropriate device.

Sensing rotation requires measuring angular velocity, not linear motion or environmental cues. A gyroscope provides this by detecting how fast the aircraft is rotating about each axis, and the autopilot uses those angular-rate signals to determine attitude changes and apply stabilizing inputs. An accelerometer measures linear acceleration, not rotation. A magnetometer gives heading relative to Earth’s magnetic field, not rotation rate. A barometer measures altitude via air pressure, not rotational motion. So for detecting rotation in an electromechanical autopilot, the gyroscope is the appropriate device.