Gyrocompass Systems

Sperry Marine
Gyrocompass Systems
Product Overview
April 2013
Uwe Oldekop
Product Line Manager
Contents
• Conventional Gyrocompass Operating Principle
• Conventional Gyrocompasses NAVIGAT X MK1
• Conventional Gyrocompass NAVIGAT X MK2
• Comparison NAVIGAT X MK1 and NAVIGAT X MK2
• Fibre Optic Gyrocompass Operating Principle
• Fibre Optic Gyrocompass NAVIGAT 3000
Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine Confidential

Contents (2)
• Heading Management System NAVITWIN IV
• Gyrocompass Accessories
• Rate of Turn Indicators
• Magnetic Compasses
• Gyro Compass Systems Overview
• Examples for Gyrocompass Systems
• Rules / Class Requirements

Conventional Gyrocompass
Operating Principle
Operating Principle

Operating Principle (cont.)
● The north-seeking element used in the NAVIGATX MK1 system is the

gyrosphere, a hermetically sealed unit with a funnel-shaped recess,
reaching from the outer skin down to its center.
● Inside the gyrosphere, two mechanically linked gyroscopes are

mounted with their spin axes horizontal in a carrying frame. The
gyroscopes are allowed to turn around the vertical, but torsion bands
effect a defined rest position, while a mechanical linkage ensures that
the resultant spin vector of the gyros remains stationary relative to the
gyrosphere.
● This twin gyro arrangement eliminates intercardinal roll error. Once the
gyros have run up to speed, their resultant spin vector, and with it the
sphere, settles in the direction of true North.


● The top of the gyrosphere contains an annular damping trough, half
filled with a viscous fluid. The fluid damps azimuthal oscillations of the
gyroscope system. The oscillation period is tuned to the Schuler period
of 84.4 minutes, so that heading errors during horizontal acceleration
due to changes in speed and/or direction are prevented.
● The gyrosphere floats in a supporting fluid inside the gyrosphere
container. Because the buoyancy of the sphere is a little greater than
its weight, a bearing cup at the bottom of the recess is pressed against
the centering pin and keeps the sphere exactly centered in the
container.
In order to make the gyroscope system pendulous, that is, to provide
the gravity controlling moment, the gyrosphere is designed so that its
centre of gravity lies slightly below the centre of bouyancy. The
gyroscopes are in fact squirrel-cage induction motors, which attain a
speed of nearly 20000 rpm at a voltage of 100 VAC @ 337 Hz.

● In the Mod. 10/3 container, their supply power is applied through the
electrolytically conducting supporting fluid, via the top and bottom
contacts. In the Mod. 10/2 and Mod. 7/2 containers, the power is
applied via the centering pin and the bottom contacts.
● A follow-up control circuit keeps the container aligned with the sphere
at all times, thus heading can be derived from the container’s
orientation.
While systems with the Mod. 10/3 container employ an optical pickoff
to provide the follow-up control signal, systems with the Mod. 10/2 and
Mod. 7/2 containers use a resistance bridge circuit, formed by the
conducting paths from the contact pins in the container, through the
supporting fluid and to the equator contact of the gyrosphere.

NAVIGAT X MK 1
Gyrocompass NAVIGAT X MK1
● Heading accuracy
Settle point error < 0.1° secant latitude
Static < 0.1° secant latitude
Dynamic < 0.4° secant latitude
● Will drive a max. of 12 repeaters
● IMO approved RoT output
● Mod. 10 +/-40° of roll and pitch
● Mod. 7 +/-90° of roll and pitch NAVIGAT X MK1, Mod. 10

NAVIGAT X MK1 HSC, Mod. 7
11

Design and Main Features
● The NAVIGAT X MK1 is a microprocessor controlled marine
gyrocompass system with integrated automatic North speed error
correction.
● As a gyrocompass, the system complies with IMO resolutions A.424(IX)

and A.694(17) and with EN ISO 8728.
● The HSC-version (stock no. 74811) with a specially selected gyrosphere

also complies with IMO resolution A.821(19).
● The rate of turn output of the NAVIGAT X MK1 complies with IMO
resolution A.526(13).
● The NAVIGAT X MK1 has been type approved by the Germanischer

Lloyd (GL), in accordance with the Marine Equipment Directive (MED)
96/98/EC, as modified by Directive 2002/75/EC.

Design and Main Features (cont.)
● The single unit design with a polyurethane hard foam housing allows the
gyrocompass to be installed on any bridge. If required, the operating unit
may be installed at a location remote from the compass or an additional
remote operating unit may be used.
● The unique method of supporting the gyrosphere by means of mere

buoyancy ensures North Stabilisation during power interruptions of up to
three minute. The combined effects of the twin rotors and the liquid
damping system virtually eliminate latitude error.
● Heading is measured as a 13-bit absolute value with a digital shaft

encoder. The high-speed follow-up system (follow-up speed up to
100°/s) ensures that accurate heading and rate of turn data is provided
under all operating conditions.

Operating Principle
● Integrated monitoring of the supply powers, gyroscope current and the

follow-up system ensure secure and trouble-free operation
● Control and display unit in front cover with 4-digit heading display and 6
operating keys
● Easy to install and easy to service
● 18-month maintenance intervals recommended
● High-speed follow-up system 100°/sec
● Automatic static north speed error correction
● Automatic power change over from AC mains to DC emergency supply

and status alarm

● Highly accurate digital heading data transmission by shaft encoder
● Self-synchronizing repeater compasses
● Electronic alignment error correction in setup program (±180°)
● 180° heading offset function for shuttle vessels
● 7 independent serial outputs RS 422 & IEC 61162-1 and IEC 61162-2
● 2 independent 6 steps/° heading outputs (0.5 A)
● MTBF (mean time between failures) 40.000 h
● Power supply: 1x 115/230 VAC, 1x 24 VDC inputs

In- and Outputs

NAVIGAT X MK 2
● Heading accuracy
Settle point error < 0.1° secant latitude
Static < 0.1° secant latitude
Dynamic < 0.4° secant latitude
● Mod. 10 +/-40° of roll and pitch
● RoT output (not type approved)
● No HSC version available
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This gyrocompass can not be used in a dual NAVIGAT X MK2, Mod. 10
configuration at all.

● The NAVIGAT X MK2 is a microprocessor controlled marine

gyrocompass system with integrated automatic North speed error
correction.
● As a gyrocompass, the system complies with IMO resolutions A.424(IX)

and A.694(17) and with EN ISO 8728.
● The NAVIGAT X MK2 has been type approved by the Germanischer

Lloyd (GL), in accordance with the Marine Equipment Directive (MED)

● The single unit design with a polyurethane hard foam housing allows the
gyrocompass to be installed on any bridge. If required, the operating unit
may be installed at a location remote from the compass or an additional
remote operating unit may be used.
● The unique method of supporting the gyrosphere by means of mere

buoyancy ensures North Stabilisation during power interruptions of up to
three minute. The combined effects of the twin rotors and the liquid
damping system virtually eliminate latitude error.
● Heading is measured as a 13-bit absolute value with a digital shaft

encoder. The high-speed follow-up system (follow-up speed up to
100°/s) ensures that accurate heading and rate of turn data is provided
under all operating conditions.


● Control and display unit (not removable) in front cover with 4-digit
heading display and 6 operating keys
● Easy to install and easy to service
● 18-month maintenance intervals recommended
● Automatic static north speed error correction
● Automatic power changeover from DC mains to DC emergency supply

and status alarm

● Highly accurate digital heading data transmission by shaft encoder
● Electronic alignment error correction in setup program (±180°)
● MTBF (mean time between failures) 40.000 h
● Power supply: two independent 24 VDC inputs

In- and Outputs

Comparison
NAVIGAT X MK 1 & MK 2
Gyrocompasses NAVIGAT X MK1 and MK2
Comparision
NAVIGAT X MK1 NAVIGAT X MK1 NAVIGAT X MK2
Accuracy Identical
Operational Data Identical
Wheelmark YES YES
Differences
Power Supply Inputs 115/230 VAC and 24 VDC 2 x 24 VDC
Repeater Compasses 12 4
NMEA 0183 Output 2 1
RS 422 3 2
RS 422 FAST 1 1
NAVIGAT X MK2
RS 422 SUPER FAST 1 1
6 steps/° 2 1
Control and Display Unit Removable Unit Fixed Unit
North Speed Error Correction Standard Standard
HSC Version YES NO
Mod. 7 Version YES NO
Rate-of-Turn Output YES YES
(IMO approved) (Non-IMO)
Heading/RAI Output to Printer YES / YES YES / NO

Fibre Optic Gyrocompass
Operating Principle
Fiber Optic Gyrocompass Operating Principle
Fiber-Optic Gyrocompass and Attitude Reference System

The North-Seeking Element
The north-seeking element of the NAVIGAT 3000 gyrocompass system is the fiber-optic sensor unit. It is
a solid-state design with no moving parts. Designed in strapdown technology, it is attached directly to
the vessel, eliminating the use of a gimbal system. The sensor unit contains three fiber-optic rate
sensors, an accelerometer triade, a navigation- and I/O-processor unit and a power supply.
The three rate gyros are arranged orthogonally and measure thus the rotation of the sensor unit about a
vessel’s x, y and z axes. The MEMS-accelerometer triade measures the linear acceleration of the x, y
and z axes of the vessel.
This configuration is known as an “analytical platform”. On the basis of the vessel-referenced sensor
data and the external speed and position (LAT. & LON.) inputs, the navigation processor uses a
complex Kalman filter algorithm to determine the direction of true north.
To initialize the Kalman filter parameters, a so-called alignment procedure is carried out when the
system is energized or when an alignment command is received. During the alignment procedure and
during normal operation, the system continually and simultaneously performs two essential tasks which
make it north seeking, namely horizontal alignment and north orientation. After power-up, the system
establishes a virtual plane, the so-called inertial plane.

By evaluating the data from the accelerometer triade,

the system is able to determine by which magnitude
the virtual plane would have to be inclined to position
it horizontal at the vessel’s location.
The Inertial Plane By transforming the data from the rate sensors, the
system is also able to determine how the movement
of the vessel and the earth’s rotation act on the virtual
horizontal plane.
By processing the data from the external speed and

position inputs, the system is able to calculate the
component of the earth’s rotation which acts on the
virtual horizontal plane and in so doing determines
the rate at which the horizontal plane has to be
The Virtual Horizontal Plane inclined to maintain it in a position horizontal to the
earth’s rotating surface.

By evaluating the plane’s movement over time, it

is possible to determine the direction of true
north. This is accomplished by mathematically
rotating the plane until the earth’s rotation will no
longer cause its north south axis to incline.
Since horizontal alignment and north orientation

are carried out continually, the NAVIGAT 3000 is
not subjected to loss of accuracy due to the
effects of drift that occur in other inertial
navigation systems, such as those used in
aviation which merely summate the changes in
The Virtual Horizontal Plane
attitude over time.
Aligned with North

NAVIGAT 3000
Fiber Optic Gyrocompass NAVIGAT 3000
● Performance (under all conditions)

Heading ≤ 0.4° secant latitude RMS
Roll/Pitch angle ≤ 0.1° for angles ≤ 45° RMS
Rate of Turn ≤ 0.018° / minute
x/y rate ≤ 0.4° / minute
Heave 0,1m
● No moving parts
● No maintenance during service life
● High dynamic accuracy
● Short settling time
● Provides roll, pitch and heave

What are the key benefits?
● Small size
● Low weight
● Low power consumption
● Heave information
● Higer accuracy
● Fast settling time
32

Comparison with NAVIGAT 2100
NAVIGAT 2100 VS NAVIGAT 3000
Performance (under all conditions) Performance (under all conditions)

Heading ≤0.7° secant latitude Heading ≤0.4° secant latitude RMS
Roll / Pitch angle ≤0.5° Roll / Pitch angle ≤0.1° for angles ≤ 45° RMS
Rate of Turn ≤0.4° / minute Rate of Turn ≤0.018° / minute
x / y rate ≤0.4° / minute x / y rate ≤0.4° / minute
Heave 0.1m
Secant Latitude = 1/cosine latitude Secant Latitude = 1/cosine latitude

Performance in accordance with IMO A.424(X1), Performance in accordance with IMO A.424 (XI),
IMO A.821 (19), ISO 8728 and ISO 16328 (2001) IMO A.821 (19), ISO 8728 and ISO 16328 (2001)
Dimensions Dimensions
Sensor Unit Sensor Unit
Width 292mm Width 102mm
Depth 340mm Depth 278mm
Height 170mm Height 128mm
Weight 11.5kg Weight 3.5kg with tray
Settling Time Settling Time

Static Conditions ≤ 30 minutes Static Conditions ≤ 10 minutes ≤78° LAT /
Sea Conditions ≤ 45 minutes ≤ 4 min. ≤ 45° LAT
Sea Conditions ≤ 30 minutes

● The NAVIGAT 3000 Fiber-Optic Gyrocompass is a solid-state, fully

electronic marine gyrocompass system, designed for integrated bridges
and advanced high-speed vessels.
● As a gyrocompass, the system complies with IMO resolutions A.424(IX),

A.694(17) and A.821(19), and with EN ISO 8728.
● The rate of turn output of the NAVIGAT 3000 complies with IMO resolution
A.526(13).
● The NAVIGAT 3000 has been type approved by the Germanischer Lloyd
(GL), in accordance with the Marine Equipment Directive (MED)
● Type approved to the High-Speed Craft Code in accordance with IMO

resolution A.821(19).

● The short settling time (≤10 minutes under static conditions, ≤30 minutes
at sea) will be of great advantage for fast ferries. The high dynamic
accuracy, coupled with the absence of north-speed error, much increases
the safety, particularly that of high-speed craft at high latitudes during
frequent manoeuvres.
● The fiber-optic gyrocompass may also be used as a sensor for stabilizer

systems, not only on merchant vessels but also on hydrofoils and
catamarans.
● In addition to the fiber-optic sensor unit, a basic NAVIGAT 3000 system

comprises the interface and power supply unit (IPSU) and the control and
display unit (CDU). The IPSU provides a number of serial data interfaces
to distribute heading, heave, attitude and other data to analogue and
digital units and to external equipment such as heading control systems,
RADAR, ECDIS etc.


● Easy to install
● Automatic power changeover from AC mains to DC emergency supply

and status alarm
● Electronic alignment error correction in setup program
● 180° heading offset function for shuttle vessels

● 4 analogue outputs for rate-of-turn, roll and pitch signals
● High MTBF
● Power supply: 1x 115/230 VAC, 1x 24 VDC inputs

Advantages
Advantages of the NAVIGAT 3000 compared with spinning mass

gyrocompass:
• No moving parts
• No maintenance during service life
– No 18-month maintenance
– No exchange of gyrosphere (every five years)
• High dynamic accuracy

• No north speed error
The high dynamic accuracy
• Short settling time associated with the lack of north
speed error, increases the safety,
• Output for roll and pitch particularly of high-speed craft at
high latitudes during frequent
manoeuvres.

In- and Outputs

NAVIGAT 3000
Export Restrictions
The Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine and NAVIGAT 3000 Fiber

Optic Gyrocompass Sensor Units are subject to export control
restrictions according to European Council Regulation (EG)
428/2009 - Dual Use.
The ECCN (Export Control Classification Number) of these products

is 7A003D.
Export of the above mentioned Fiber Optic Sensor Unit(s),

associated technical data and/or Software requires an Export
License issued by a competent authority of an EU Member State
when exporting out of the European Community.

Heading Management System
NAVITWIN IV
Heading Management System NAVITWIN IV
● Heading source selector
● Heading difference monitor
● Off heading monitor
● Magnetic heading source
● Central gyrocompass control unit

● The Heading Management System NAVITWIN IV is a central control and

display device for multi-compass systems. Depending on the system at
hand, it may be configured to perform a number of different functions:
● Heading source selector

– The NAVITWIN IV displays heading data from up to three true heading sources and one
magnetic compass heading source. By selecting the active heading source at the
NAVITWIN IV, the operator determines which source is to be used as the reference for
distribution via the Switch-Over Unit to other equipment, such as compass repeaters,
heading control systems, RADAR, ECDIS etc.
● Heading difference monitor

– NAVITWIN IV can monitor the difference between any two of the connected heading
sources. Should this difference exceed a user defined threshold, a “Heading Difference
Alarm” is raised.

● Off heading monitor
– In automatic steering modes, NAVITWIN IV can monitor the difference between the actual
heading from the active source and the commanded set heading in automatic steering
modes. Should this difference exceed a user-defined threshold, an “Off Heading Alarm” is
raised. The set heading may be received automatically from a heading control system or
may be entered manually.
● Magnetic heading source

– In conjunction with a Sperry Marine fluxgate sensor type 4863, fitted to a compatible
magnetic compass, NAVITWIN IV senses the vessel‘ s magnetic heading and converts it to
the NMEA 0183 (IEC 61162) format, including automatic correction for magnetic variation
and sensor calibration values.
● Central gyrocompass control unit

– In single, dual and triple gyrocompass systems comprising current models from the
NAVIGAT gyrocompass line, the NAVITWIN IV acts as the system‘s central control and
display unit. System-wide operational settings are entered at the NAVITWIN IV and
transmitted to the connected compasses. In turn, alarm messages from the
gyrocompasses are indicated and may be acknowledged at the NAVITWIN IV.

Gyrocompass Accessories
Gyrocompass Accessories (cont.)
● Console repeater compass 360°/10°
● Built in heading source indication and dimmer
● Size 192 x 192 mm

Terminal box
● Bulkhead repeater compass 360°/10° for connection
of bulkhead repeater
● Built in heading source indication and compass
dimmer, watertight

Terminal box
● Console repeater compass 360°/10°
for connection
of bulkhead repeater
● Built in heading source indication and dimmer,
compass
watertight in Bracket

● Bearing repeater compass 360°/10°
● Built in heading source indication and dimmer, watertight
● Bearing repeater bracket with terminal box

● Built in heading source indication and dimmer, watertight
● Adjustable bearing repeater bracket with terminal box

● Built in heading source indication and

dimmer, watertight
● Bearing repeater stand with terminal box

Prismatic azimuth device PV 23 Telescopic alidade

for bearing repeater compass for bearing repeater compass

Digital heading repeater, Digital heading repeater,

frontsize 96x96mm, in housing with bracket,
for console mounting, with built-in dimmer, watertight,
with built-in dimmer for bulkhead mounting

Navigation data printer NAVIPRINT, for connection to 230V AC ship‘s supply,

for console or bulkhead mounting

Rate of Turn Indicator
Rate-of-Turn Indicator
● Available in different sizes i.e.
● 96x96mm (for non IMO vessels only)
● 144x144mm Gyrocompass
Carriage Requirements
● 192x192mm
● and with different scales i.e.
● 30°, 60°, 90°, 300° /min

Magnetic Compasses
Magnetic Compass JUPITER / Fluxgate
Compass Binnacle NAVIPOL

Magnetic Compass MARS

Gyrocompass Systems
Overview
Single Gyrocompass Systems
Overview

Dual Gyrocompass Systems
Overview

Triple Gyrocompass Systems
Overview

Examples for
Gyrocompass Systems
Example for Single Gyrocompass System
without TMC Function

Example for Single Gyrocompass System
with TMC and Dual Gyrocompass System with TMC

Example for Triple Gyrocompass System
with TMC Function

Notes to Examples for Gyrocompass Systems
● Transmitting Magnetic Compass. In TMC systems, the NAVITWIN IV

Heading Management System provides an independent back-up
magnetic heading source for distribution to autopilots, repeaters,
radars and other peripheral appliances when required.
● Please be informed that the examples are also valid for the
gyrocompass NAVIGAT 3000. Each gyrocompass NAVIGAT X MK1
can be replaced by a gyrocompass NAVIGAT 3000.
● Please also note that the gyrocompass NAVIGAT X MK1 and the
gyrocompass NAVIGAT 3000 can be mixed in a multiple gyrocompass
system.
● Important Note: The gyrocompass NAVIGAT X MK2 is NOT designed

to be used in multiple gyrocompass configurations!

Gyrocompass
Gyrocompass
Size GT
Equipment # STANDARD (IMO/SOLAS)
(IMO/SOLAS)
Gyro compass >500GT 1 Ch.V Reg.19 2.5.1
Gyro compass heading repeater (helmsman) >500GT 1 Ch.V Reg.19 2.5.1
Gyro compass repeater at the emergency steering position >500GT 1 Ch.V Reg.19 2.5.2
>500GT (under
Gyro compass bearing repeater for bearings over 360° of horizon 1600GT as far as min. 1 Ch.V Reg.19 2.5.3
possible)
>300GT (all
Transmitting Heading Device (THD) Passenger 1 Ch.V Reg.19 2.3.5
Vessels)
Standard Magnetic Compass (readable at mainsteering position) All 1 Ch.V Reg.19 2.1.1
Pelorus or bearing device All 1 Ch.V Reg.19 2.1.2
Correcting heading and bearings to true All 1 Ch.V Reg.19 2.1.3
Spare Magnetic Compass >150GT 1 Ch.V Reg.19 2.2.1
Rate of Turn Indicator (independent of the first Gyro compass) >50.000 GT 1 Ch.V Reg.19 2.9.1

Rules / Class Requirements (Cont.)
The Chapter V - Safety of Navigation - of the IMO SOLAS (Safety Of Life At

Sea) regulation includes the following requirements in regulation 19:
● Paragraph 2.1
– All ships, irrespective of size, shall have:
– a properly adjusted standard magnetic compass, or other means, independent of any
power supply, to determine the ship’s heading and display the reading at the main
steering position;
– a pelorus or compass bearing device, or other means, independent of any power
supply, to take bearings over an arc of the horizon of 360°;

The Chapter V - Safety of Navigation - of the IMO SOLAS (Safety Of Life At

Sea) regulations includes the following requirements in regulation 19:
● Paragraph 2.5
– All ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards shall, in addition to meeting the
requirements of paragraph 2.3 (300 tons), with the exception of paragraphs 2.3.3
(plotting aid) and 2.3.5 (THD), and the requirements of paragraph 2.4 (AIS), have:
– a gyro compass, or other means, to determine and display their heading by
shipborne non-magnetic means and to transmit heading information for input to the
equipment referred in paragraphs 2.3.2 (9Ghz radar), 2.4 (AIS) and 2.5.5 (tracking
aid);
● IMO performance standard A.424(XI)

● Paragraph 2.9
– All ships of 50,000 gross tonnage and upwards shall, in addition to
meeting the requirements of paragraph 2.8 (10,000 tons), have:
– 1 a rate-of-turn indicator, or other means, to determine
and display the rate of turn; (independent of the first Gyro)
(If a second Gyro is required by class, it can be used as ROT)
● IMO performance standard A.526(13)

Gyrocompass Systems

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Sperry Marine

• Conventional Gyrocompass Operating Principle

• Conventional Gyrocompasses NAVIGAT X MK1

• Conventional Gyrocompass NAVIGAT X MK2

• Comparison NAVIGAT X MK1 and NAVIGAT X MK2

• Fibre Optic Gyrocompass Operating Principle

• Fibre Optic Gyrocompass NAVIGAT 3000

Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine Confidential

• Heading Management System NAVITWIN IV

• Rate of Turn Indicators