Definition
A mounting arrangement consisting of two pivoted rings set at right angles to each other, allowing a supported object — such as a gyroscope rotor — to remain free to rotate about two independent axes while the surrounding structure moves. In an attitude indicator, the double gimbal lets the spinning gyro hold its orientation in space while the aircraft pitches and rolls around it.
Plain English
Two rings, one inside the other, mounted so they can swivel independently. Whatever sits in the middle can stay still while everything around it tilts and turns.
Context Anchor
Seen in explanations of mechanical attitude indicators and how they sense and display pitch and bank.
Derivation
‘Gimbal’ comes from the Old French ‘gemel,’ meaning ‘twin’ or ‘paired ring.’ ‘Double’ simply means there are two of them, nested. The name reflects the design: paired rings working together to give freedom of movement in two directions.
Why Pilots Care
Allows the attitude indicator to display accurate pitch and bank information without tumbling during normal maneuvers.
Analogy
Picture a ship's compass or a drink holder that stays level on a rocking boat — the inner part stays steady because two rings pivot around it independently.
Intuition Check
Double gimbal does not mean the instrument has two gyros. It means one gyro is mounted in two pivoting supports so it can work through two kinds of aircraft movement.
Example Sentence 1
The attitude indicator uses a double gimbal so the gyro can stay aligned with the horizon while the aircraft banks and pitches.
Example Sentence 2
During a steep turn the double gimbal keeps the instrument from losing its reference.