Fibre optic gyrocompass

A fibre optic gyrocompass is a compass and instrument of navigation. It is sometimes part of a ships set of compasses, which also include a conventional gyrocompass and a magnetic compass.

The fibre optic gyrocompass is a complete unit, which unlike a conventional compass, has no rotating or other moving parts. It uses a series of fibre optic gyroscope sensors and computers to locate north. It has very high reliability and requires little maintenance during its service life. The entire system usually includes a sensor unit, a control and display unit, and an interface and power supply unit. It is often linked with the ship's other navigational devices including GPS.

See also

• HRG gyrocompass