A variometer, also known as a vertical speed indicator (VSI), is a critical instrument used in gliders, sailplanes, and light aircraft to measure the rate of climb or descent. Unlike a traditional altimeter, which only shows the aircraft's current altitude, a variometer provides pilots with real-time information on their vertical speed, helping them to identify areas of lift and sink.
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/ˌvɛəri.oʊˈmiːtrəm/
Modern "varios" use solid-state pressure sensors, GPS, and accelerometers to compute not just vertical speed, but also (how fast you are climbing relative to the surrounding air) and relative wind . Yet, the fundamental algorithm—measure total energy change, filter out pitch-induced noise—remains unchanged from the 1960s glider revolution. A variometer, also known as a vertical speed
Typical models feature 1.5kW to 2.2kW water-cooled spindles. /ˌvɛəri
When the aircraft climbs, static pressure drops. The diaphragm expands immediately. However, the air inside the sealed case cannot escape instantly—it leaks out through the capillary at a precise rate. For a few seconds, the pressure inside the case is higher than the static pressure, causing the diaphragm to bulge and the needle to indicate a climb. Once the pressure equalizes (after 6–9 seconds), the needle returns to zero—unless the climb continues.
The word is constructed from two roots:
