Which instrument is part of an inertial navigation system and measures acceleration in one direction?

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Study for the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which instrument is part of an inertial navigation system and measures acceleration in one direction?

Explanation:
Inertial navigation systems determine motion by sensing how velocity changes along each axis. The device that provides a measurement of linear acceleration in a specific direction is the accelerometer. By having accelerometers along multiple axes, the system can capture acceleration in all directions and, together with gyroscopes, compute position and orientation over time. A gyroscope, in contrast, measures rotation rate; an altimeter measures altitude; a magnetic compass indicates heading relative to the Earth’s magnetic field. So the accelerometer is the instrument that measures acceleration in one direction.

Inertial navigation systems determine motion by sensing how velocity changes along each axis. The device that provides a measurement of linear acceleration in a specific direction is the accelerometer. By having accelerometers along multiple axes, the system can capture acceleration in all directions and, together with gyroscopes, compute position and orientation over time. A gyroscope, in contrast, measures rotation rate; an altimeter measures altitude; a magnetic compass indicates heading relative to the Earth’s magnetic field. So the accelerometer is the instrument that measures acceleration in one direction.

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