History of inertial navigators and some thoughts on research management

The author purposely sets out to stimulate thinking on the best ways to channel major inventions in the early stages to ultimate fruition by taking as a typical example the little known, though memorable achievements of Henri Busignies and Johann Maria Boykow in the field of inertial guidance and navigation. A historical account is given of the early suggestions of Busignies and of the patent granted later to Boykow which was issued in 1938. The development of gyro-compasses with the use of pendulums for control resulted in the phenomena which became known as the "North Steaming Error" due to the interplay of the gyroscopic force and that due to gravity. To remedy this, Professor Schuler suggested the use of a pendulum with a natural period of 84 minutes. In inertial systems this period is achieved by electro-mechanical means and is called "Schuler Tuning". Busignies work, which was not patented, was much in advance of his time but the passing of 20 to 25 years has proved its immense technical and financial value.