ACTIVELY DAMPED STEERING RATE SENSOR FOR ROTATING AIRFRAME AUTOPILOT

Abstract

An actively damped steering rate sensing device for an autopilot control system capable of producing angular rotation in a control plane of an intentionally continuously axially rolling airframe such as a homing missile in response to a rotation related guidance command signal. The device includes an elongated armature member mounted to the airframe for pivotal movement about an axis extending through the member intermediate its length. The pivot axis is oriented with respect to the rotational axis of the airframe so that the armature member will pivot by gyroscopic precession in response to rotation in the control plane of the rolling airframe. Sensing and damping coils are mounted on opposite ends of the armature member. Magnets and flux path return elements are fixedly mounted adjacent each of the coils. Movement of the armature member during flight produces an output signal in the sensing coil which is amplified and applied in the correct phase to the damping coil to damp the pivotal motion of the armature member.

Source: Google Patents

35 USC §181 Secrecy Order

Inventor

• 1ALLAN A. VOIGT

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