[2] The compass comprises a fibre optic gyroscope sensor that operates on the principle of the Sagnac effect which links to a computer and then locates north.
The first generation of gyrocompass was based on fast-spinning discs and was requiring complex mechanics such as gimbals of fluid suspended platform.
The first practical apparatus were installed onboard vessels at the beginning of the 20th century.
The sensors are simply strapped to the chassis of the gyrocompass, avoiding the need for complex mechanics.
A second generation of strapdown gyrocompass, based on HRG technology, is now also available on the market.