Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

This is a non-flown accelerometer, which has been disassembled for display purposes to show its components. It measured acceleration by means of a pendulum, flanked by two permanent magnets. As the pendulum was deflected by acceleration, electrical coils exerted a force that returned it to the "down" position. The amount of current necessary to perform this operation was proportional to the acceleration.

The AC Spark Plug Division, later called the Delco Division of General Motors, built these accelerometers, which were installed in many aerospace vehicles from the 1960s through the 1980s.

Gift of the Delphi Corporation.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type INSTRUMENTS-Navigational Manufacturer AC Spark Plug Division, General Motors Corporation
 Dimensions 3-D (Misc. Hardware: Largest): 11.7 × 5.1 × 3.8cm (4 5/8 × 2 × 1 1/2 in.)
3-D (Misc. Hardware: Smallest): 1 × 1 × 0.3cm (3/8 × 3/8 × 1/8 in.)
 Materials Steel
Aluminum
Copper Alloy
Ceramic
Plastic
Unknown Metal
Coating
Synthetic
Paper
Textile
 Inventory Number A20090049000 Credit Line Gift of Delphi Electronics & Safety Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.