[net.columbia] Gyroscopic sideffects

brent@phoenix.UUCP (Brent P. Callaghan) (07/10/85)

The discussion on the IMAX camera gyroscopic problems on the shuttle
brings to mind a similar story pertaining to an airborne computer
in the 60's.  The heart of the computer was a magnetic drum, rather
massive, and spinning at high speed.  Shortly after takeoff the
computer developed a deep psychosis as the aircraft banked, followed
immediately by a screaming noise from its rotating insides.

Sooner or later, rotating storage media will be carried on the
shuttle or space station.  Perhaps a drive with contra-rotating
disks is the answer.
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