Rate of climb gauge

The Thommen Rate of Climb Gauge, also known as a Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI), is an instrument used in aviation to provide pilots with real-time information about the rate of ascent or descent of an aircraft. Here's some information about the Thommen Rate of Climb Gauge:

1. Manufacturer: Thommen, a Swiss company specialising in the design and manufacturing of avionics and aircraft instruments.

2. Functionality: The Rate of Climb Gauge measures the vertical speed of an aircraft in feet per minute (ft/min) by detecting changes in atmospheric pressure. It typically consists of a sensitive diaphragm connected to an aneroid capsule. As the aircraft climbs or descends, changes in atmospheric pressure cause the capsule to expand or contract, which in turn moves a needle on the gauge to indicate the rate of ascent or descent.

3. Accuracy: Thommen's Rate of Climb Gauge is designed to provide accurate and reliable vertical speed information to pilots. The instrument is calibrated to ensure precise readings under various flight conditions.

4. Installation: The Rate of Climb Gauge is usually installed in the aircraft's instrument panel, often alongside other flight instruments such as the airspeed indicator, altimeter, and attitude indicator.

5. Usage: Pilots use the Rate of Climb Gauge to maintain a desired rate of climb or descent during different phases of flight, including takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, and landing. It helps pilots maintain a safe and controlled flight profile, especially during instrument flight where visual cues may be limited.

6. Types: Thommen offers various models of Rate of Climb Gauges tailored to different types of aircraft and cockpit configurations. These may include analog gauges with a traditional needle display or digital displays with numerical readouts.

7. Integration: Thommen's Rate of Climb Gauges can be integrated into modern avionics systems, providing pilots with additional features such as altitude pre-select and altitude alerting.

Overall, the Thommen Rate of Climb Gauge is a critical instrument in the cockpit, providing essential vertical speed information to pilots, contributing to safe and efficient flight operations.