Sperry

Elmer Sperry

Sperry

Gyrocompass is a mechanical device that determines direction. It is used in navigating all major commercial and naval ships, and some aircraft and land vehicles. A gyrocompass is more accurate than a magnetic compass, which relies on the earth's magnetic field to indicate magnetic north. A gyrocompass points to true north, or geographic north. It is not affected by magnetic forces or by the rolling and pitching of the vehicle. (http://reference.howstuffworks.com/gyrocompass-encyclopedia.html) Here is a picture: http://www.navis.gr/navaids/images/gyro2.jpg

Gyrocompass.