Gyro Sphere
Raytheon Anschütz
Refurbished
Manufacturer: Raytheon Anschütz / Anschütz GmbH
Country of Origin: Germany
System: Standard 22 / Standard 22 Compact / Standard 22 family
Product: Gyrosphere / Gyro Sphere
Verified Gyrosphere Reference: 111-006 E01AT / 111006E01AT
Associated Gyrocompass Type: 110-233 series
Product Type: Mechanical Marine Gyrocompass Sensitive Element / Gyrosphere
Marine Application: Independent true-heading generation for ship navigation, radar, ECDIS, autopilot and other heading-dependent bridge systems
The supplied photograph shows two spherical gyro sensitive elements installed in their supporting assemblies. The visible serial markings include 87472 and 100233. The image is consistent with the gyrosphere used within the Anschütz Standard 22 family. The accompanying blog requirements specifically identify the equipment as Standard 22 gyrocompass/gyrosphere.
The Anschütz Standard 22 Gyrosphere is the central sensitive element of the Standard 22 mechanical gyrocompass. It provides the physical gyro reference from which the system determines reliable true heading.
The official Standard 22 operator documentation identifies the gyrosphere as a separately packed component within the gyrocompass scope of supply. It operates inside an outer sphere containing the specified supporting liquid and distilled water.
This component should not be confused with the complete Standard 22 gyrocompass. The gyrosphere is installed inside the outer sphere, while the complete system additionally incorporates the enclosure, electronics, interfaces, power supply, distribution and associated bridge equipment.
Anschütz describes Standard 22 as its most successful gyrocompass family and reported the delivery of the 25,000th Standard 22 series gyrocompass in 2025.
The gyrosphere is essentially the heart of the mechanical gyrocompass.
When correctly installed, supplied and stabilized, the spinning gyro assembly establishes a north-seeking reference. The gyrocompass converts this reference into true heading information that can be distributed throughout the ship.
Unlike GNSS-derived heading systems, a mechanical gyrocompass does not fundamentally depend on external satellite signals for its heading reference. Anschütz highlights this autonomous operation as particularly important when GNSS is degraded, jammed or spoofed.
This makes a healthy gyrosphere operationally critical: deterioration or failure can directly affect one of the vessel's principal heading sources.
The Standard 22 gyrosphere is designed for continuous marine service and high-accuracy heading generation. Its key advantages include a precision mechanical gyro arrangement, autonomous operation independent of GNSS heading, compatibility with the established Standard 22 family and serviceability through replacement or overhaul.
Anschütz states that its gyrospheres are assembled by hand in a clean-room environment and subjected to multi-stage individual testing.
Another important design feature of the Standard 22 concept is reduced mechanical wear. Current Anschütz information describes inductive power supply and optical data transmission without conventional slip rings as contributing to long-term reliability.
For the Standard 22 / Standard 22 Compact NG002 gyrocompass, official documentation specifies:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Gyrocompass Supply | 18–36 VDC |
| Maximum Consumption – Heating Stage | 140 W |
| Maximum Consumption – Operation | 80 W |
| Gyrosphere Installation | Inside outer sphere |
| Associated System | Standard 22 / Standard 22 Compact |
| Manufacturer | Anschütz / former Raytheon Anschütz |
| Application | True-heading generation |
| Serviceable Sensitive Element | Gyrosphere |
These electrical values refer to the complete gyrocompass, rather than to a bare gyrosphere as an independently powered product.
The Standard 22 arrangement includes more than the black spherical sensitive element visible in the photograph. Important associated parts include the gyrosphere, upper and lower outer-sphere halves, gasket/seals, supporting liquid, distilled water, hose connections, electrical connection/plug, pump components, outer-sphere electronics and compass enclosure.
The official installation and service documentation specifically describes separating the outer sphere, removing or installing the gyrosphere with a suction cup, replacing sealing components and refilling the required liquids.
A known commercial reference for a Standard 22/NX replacement gyrosphere is 111006E01AT. Exact compatibility must nevertheless be checked against the compass type, development state and existing sphere before ordering.
The Standard 22 gyrocompass family is installed aboard a wide range of commercial and specialized vessels, including cargo ships, bulk carriers, tankers, container vessels, passenger vessels and offshore vessels.
Heading generated by the gyrocompass can support interconnected bridge equipment such as:
Because true heading is safety-critical, loss or degradation of the gyrocompass can affect several connected navigation systems simultaneously.
Unstable or incorrect heading: First verify that the problem genuinely originates from the gyro rather than heading distribution, interfaces or connected repeaters. Inspect the complete Standard 22 system and compare its heading with independent references.
Gyro does not settle correctly: Check installation alignment, system operating condition, power supply and service condition. Gyrosphere deterioration may be one possibility, but the sphere should not automatically be condemned without systematic diagnosis.
Supporting-liquid level problem: This requires immediate attention. The official service manual warns that an excessively low supporting-liquid level can result in destruction of the compass.
Liquid leakage: Inspect the outer sphere, seals, hose connections and related components. A sudden reduction in supporting-liquid level requires the cause to be identified and corrected.
Intermittent heading or system faults: Inspect supply voltage, connectors, outer-sphere electronics, CAN/data connections and associated control/distribution equipment before assuming an internal gyrosphere failure.
Excessive age or operating hours: The gyrosphere is a serviceable lifecycle component. Anschütz says Standard 22 NX gyrospheres currently have an average service life of around five years, although units are also returned after seven years or longer. Actual lifetime depends on operational and service conditions.
Alarm and status indications belong to the complete Standard 22 gyrocompass system rather than the standalone sphere.
For this reason, technicians should identify the exact Standard 22 development state and consult the correct operator/service manual before interpreting an alarm. A gyrosphere should not be replaced merely because a heading or compass alarm is present; power, electronics, communication, liquid level and outer-sphere components must also be investigated.
Gyrosphere work requires particular care. Anschütz documentation specifies that the sphere must remain upright during handling, with its identification number on top. A special suction cup is used when inserting or removing it from the outer sphere.
When cleaning is required, the official service procedure specifies warm, clean water and a lint-free cotton cloth for the gyrosphere and inside surfaces of the outer sphere. Brushes should not be used.
Supporting liquid, distilled water, seals and pump condition must also be maintained according to the correct service procedure. Only approved consumables and the appropriate documentation should be used.
Because the gyro is a precision navigation instrument, gyrosphere replacement and internal servicing should be performed by appropriately trained personnel.
Typical Standard 22 requirements can include:
Complete Standard 22 gyrocompass • Gyrosphere • Outer sphere • Outer Sphere PCB • Encoder • Power Supply PCB • Pump components • Supporting liquid • Distilled water • Seals and gaskets • Cables/connectors • Distribution components • Operator unit and other system electronics
A verified replacement gyrosphere reference found for the Standard 22 family is 111-006 E01AT / 111006E01AT. Other documented Standard 22 components include the 110-233 series outer-sphere/gyrocompass assembly. Compatibility must be verified before purchase.
SM MARINE SERVICE™ can support sourcing of New, Used, Refurbished, Reconditioned and Tested Working Standard 22 gyrospheres and gyrocompass spare parts, subject to availability.
The Standard 22 remains important because mechanical gyro technology provides an independent true-heading reference without relying on external GNSS signals.
Anschütz continues to develop the family through the Standard 22 NX and states that more than 25,000 Standard 22-family gyrocompasses have been sold.
Another major advantage is lifecycle support. Anschütz operates a gyrosphere overhaul process in which wearing parts are replaced and refurbished spheres must meet the same performance requirements and quality testing criteria specified for new units.
This combination of autonomy, serviceability and established shipboard infrastructure explains why Standard 22 equipment remains commercially important for both new installations and existing-vessel maintenance.
What is an Anschütz Standard 22 Gyrosphere?
It is the precision sensitive gyro element installed inside the outer sphere of a Standard 22 gyrocompass and forms the central mechanical element used for determining true heading.
Is the gyrosphere the complete Standard 22 gyrocompass?
No. The gyrosphere is one major internal component. The complete gyrocompass also contains the outer sphere, supporting liquids, enclosure, electronics and interfaces.
What is the Standard 22 gyrosphere part number?
A known Standard 22/NX gyrosphere reference is 111-006 E01AT / 111006E01AT. Compatibility should always be verified from the existing equipment and system documentation before ordering.
How long does a Standard 22 gyrosphere last?
Anschütz reported an average service life of approximately five years for current Standard 22 NX gyrospheres, while some are returned for reconditioning after seven or more years.
Can a Standard 22 gyrosphere be refurbished or overhauled?
Yes. Anschütz states that returned gyrospheres are overhauled, wearing parts are replaced and refurbished spheres undergo performance and quality testing before returning to service.
Where can I buy a Standard 22 gyrosphere?
SM MARINE SERVICE™ can support international sourcing of Standard 22 gyrospheres and associated gyrocompass spare parts, depending on current stock.
Can I buy a used or reconditioned Standard 22 gyro sphere?
Yes, used, tested, refurbished and reconditioned equipment can be sourced subject to availability and compatibility verification.
What information should I provide when ordering?
Provide photographs of the existing gyrosphere and gyrocompass, equipment type, serial number, part number and development/version information whenever available.
Where can I download the Standard 22 manual?
Official Anschütz operator documentation is available from the manufacturer's download resources below.
The Anschütz Standard 22 Gyrosphere is the precision sensitive element used within the Standard 22 marine gyrocompass family to generate an autonomous true-heading reference. It operates within the gyrocompass outer sphere and is a critical replacement component for Standard 22 maintenance and overhaul. New, used, refurbished and reconditioned gyrospheres and associated gyrocompass spare parts can be sourced depending on system compatibility and availability.
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