Mechanical instrument, used as a stabilizing device and consisting, in its simplest form, of a heavy wheel mounted on an axis. The direction of the axis is stable; if it is displaced, the gyroscope tends to resist the change. Applications of the gyroscope principle include the gyrocompass, the autopilot for automatic control of an aircraft, and gyro-directed torpedoes.
The cog-wheel and rice plant stand for industry and agriculture. The stars represent the 14 states. Blue symbolizes peace. Red denotes courage. Effective date: 4 January 1974.