CALIBRATOR FOR A SERVICE MAGNETIC AZIMUTH DETECTOR OF AN AIRCRAFT AND METHOD EMPLOYING A TEST DETECTOR

摘要

Calibrator for calibrating a service magnetic azimuth detector (18) of a craft; the service detector (18) is responsive to the magnetic field of the earth to provide a service heading signal; said calibrator includes a test magnetic azimuth detector (10) for providing a test signal signifying the magnetic orientation of the test detector (10) with respect to the prevailing magnetic field of the earth; a turntable (12) is provided for rotatably supporting the test detector (10); also provided is a calibration computer (34) connected to the test detector (10) and responsive to the test heading signal; the calibration computer (34) is operable to determine the variations in the test heading signal due to changes in the magnetic field of the earth; and the calibration computer (34) is operable to connect to the service detector (18) and determine the difference in the service heading signal when the craft is adjacent to and removed from the service detector (18).