Calibrating tracked vehicle navigation control - involves mirror attached to track roller axle to define direction of motion

摘要

A method is used for calibration of the gyroscopic navigation apparatus of a tracked vehicle. It makes use of an external mirror to optically define the direction of travel. The mirror (Sp) is attached to the end face of an axle of one of the rollers which carry the vehicle tracks. The vehicle faces in a direction (F) which is at an angle alpha with respect to geographical north. This angle is measured from outside the vehicle using a theodolite with an autocollimator attachment. Finally the gyro bearing reading within the vehicle is calibrated on the basis of this measurement. The mirror carrier may be attached to the roller axle by means of a friction coupling.