navigational instrument

Other forms: navigational instruments

Definitions of navigational instrument

1. noun

   an instrument used for navigating
   types:

   artificial horizon, flight indicator, gyro horizon

   a navigational instrument based on a gyroscope; it artificially provides a simulated horizon for the pilot

   compass

   navigational instrument for finding directions

   depth finder

   navigational instrument used to measure the depth of a body of water (as by ultrasound or radar)

   inclinometer

   an instrument showing the angle that an aircraft makes with the horizon

   asdic, echo sounder, sonar

   a measuring instrument that sends out an acoustic pulse in water and measures distances in terms of the time for the echo of the pulse to return

   gyrocompass

   a compass that does not depend on magnetism but uses a gyroscope instead

   magnetic compass

   compass based on an indicator (as a magnetic needle) that points to the magnetic north

   fathometer, sonic depth finder

   depth finder for determining depth of water or a submerged object by means of ultrasound waves

   type of:

   instrument

   a device that requires skill for proper use