Rigidity In Space
What is rigidity in space?
Rigidity in space is the gyroscopic principle that a rapidly spinning wheel (especially one with a heavily weighted rim) tends to stay fixed in the plane in which it is spinning, resisting any external force trying to tilt or move it. Because the gyro holds its position, instruments can use it as a stable reference to measure changes in aircraft attitude or direction. Think of it as a spinning bicycle wheel that "wants" to stay upright — that stubbornness is what makes attitude and heading gyros work.
Also known as: gyroscopic rigidity, rigidity
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