Abstract
The aerial conquest of the North Pole is credited to Commander Richard E. Byrd, accompanied by Warrant Officer Floyd Bennett, who staked his claim on May 9, 1926 in a Fokker trimotor. He used a mariner's sextant (with a bubble level), sun compass, and drift sight to achieve this historic navigational feat. In July 1981, this author participated in the first aerial polar crossing that used a ring laser inertial navigation system. In the intervening years, polar navigation relied upon celestial techniques, grid navigation (utilizing a displaced pole), and directional gyros. This paper traces the evolution of aerial polar navigation from the first attempt to the present time. The controversy surrounding the validity of Byrd's claim of first flight over the North Pole is also resolved.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
