Gyroscopes.

[Illuminati]

I had an idea just a little while ago about a new type of flying multi-application device that would use a singular propellor and tower assembly.

 

But I wanted to use a singular gyroscope to keep stability and I began to wonder, Could a gyroscope, if turned on an axis, be used to steer a flying device so long as no other forces, except for lift, are acting on it?

 

If so I have idea that I would like to patent.

[lightwave]

Gyros have been used to maintain stability in aerial vehicles for many years. Most often they have a rate detector attached which measures rate of rotaton of the gyro body about an axis and that rate data is sent to a navigation computer, always in 3 axis'.

 

But you want to use a gyro and force-turn it's body to bring about a turn in the aerial vehicle. I seem to recall that this was done during WW2 by the Germans for some of their guided rockets. A sensor was attached to a motor which forced the gyro to a new position. The sensor was heat seeking. But the gyro was quite heavy and required quite a bit of electrical energy to run up to speed - about 50,000 RPM.

[Sisyphus]

Sure, but it would be far less effective or practical than rudder/flaps.

[DV8 2XL]

One word: Torque.

[Rebiu]

The spinning propeller already acts as a gyroscope.

 

The spinning propeller imparts a variety of forces on the aircraft. The torque of the propeller tries to roll the plane in the other direction.

 

The stabilizing effect of the propeller will make the plane resist turning.

 

The propeller creates a spiraling airflow that usually hits the tail and will cause the plane to turn.

 

Because the propeller is like a wing it will pull harder on the falling side when the plane climbs and the rising side when the plane dives.

 

All of these effects will vary with the speed and acceleration of the propeller and the plane and probable make the plane impossible to control with a gyroscope.