The trick for evaluating this solid state attitude gyros is pick them up
while they are powered up on the bench and shake them. If they come up
with the same horizontal reference then they will go through turbulence.
The early B.F Goodrich unit failed this test. I looked for a later model
at SnF but I did not see one in their booth

I respectfully disagree.  That may be an initial test, but no guarantee that
the unit will function in the air.  The true test is to flight test with
continuous, long turns (preferably during shallow climbs or descents).  This
is where most "secret algorithms" fall apart, because, as all pilots know
(should know?), the gravity vector is meaningless in a properly flown
aircraft.  The few (very few) that I have run across that work have
relatively high price tags ($8K +) due to the use of costly, low-drift rate
gyros.  BTW, I have flight tested most all the prominent names out there and
found most lacking.

I wish Craig luck and am eagerly awaiting someone's report of actual flight
experience.  However, the price coupled with the fact that he is still in the
building stage of an RV-8 makes me dubious.  If he has cracked the nut, I
would sure like to know.

So, how 'bout it.  Anyone out there flown the thing?

Hornet Ball

Hornet Ball is not his real name of course but I will tell you this.
He is a principle in Sierra Flight Systems that offers an attitude display :-)

http://www.sierraflightsystems.com

Paul Lamar
 
The AirCraft Rotary Engine NewsLetter.              Powered by Linux.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rotaryeng/            http://www.linux.org