Gyroscope is a mechanical or optical device used to maintain
orientation during motion.
A mechanical gyroscope consists of a rapidly spinning wheel set
in a framework that permits it to tilt freely in any direction or
to rotate about any axis. The momentum of such a wheel causes it to
retain its attitude when the framework is tilted. An optical
gyroscope, laser or fibre, measures the interference pattern
generated by two light beams, traveling in opposite directions
within a mirrored ring or fibre loop, in order to detect very small
changes in motion. Gyroscopes are used in compasses, in automatic
pilots on ships and aircraft, in the steering mechanisms of
torpedoes, in antiroll equipment on large ships, and in inertial
guidance systems.