Summary: Use of the Siemens autopilot in an He 111.
Description: (Reel 1) The broad principles of the autopilot are first outlined in a diagram. Each item of equipment, its function and its position in the aircraft is described, in particular the gyroscope unit with course indicators, the electric-hydraulic motor driving the rudder, the controls for setting the course and the emergency release knob which detaches the drive unit from the rudder. A mock-up shows how the rudder drive unit reacts to rotation of the gyroscope housing. Maintenance and testing is carried out. The rudder drive unit is first checked. The autopilot is then switched on (following a set sequence) and the response to resetting the course tested.
(Reel 2) Operational use is then shown. The aircraft starts up and takes off. The autopilot is switched on to control the desired course (elevators and ailerons are still controlled by the pilot). The course can be altered while still on autopilot, the pilot banking the aircraft as he resets the course. A bombing run in which the bomb-aimer controls the course while sighting is shown. The reaction of the autopilot to shutting down one engine is also described.
Alternative Title:SIEMENS-LGW AUTOPILOT [Translation]
Production Details: Oberbefehlshaber der Luftwaffe (Production sponsor)
Reichsminister der Luftfahrt (Production sponsor)
Filmgruppe des Chefs des Ausbildungswesens (Production company)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords: aircraft, German - combat: Heinkel He 111 (object name)
equipment, German air - navigational: Siemens-LGW autopilot (object name)
Germany (geography)
Instruction (concept)
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: German
Title language: German
Technical Details: Format: 35mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 2
Footage: 2237 ft; Running time: 25 mins
