VD-10VK Series 2

Barometric measurement principle of VD-10VK

The VD-10VK measures altitude by sensing static air pressure from the aircraft pitot-static system. Inside the sealed instrument housing, an aneroid capsule assembly reacts to pressure changes as the aircraft climbs or descends. The mechanical movement of the capsule is transmitted through a linkage and gear mechanism to the pointers on the dial. This provides direct altitude indication without electronic computation for the basic display. The accuracy of the instrument depends on the condition of the altimeter itself, the static pressure line and the correct barometric pressure setting.

Two-pointer altitude indication

The instrument uses a circular scale with two pointers. The large pointer indicates altitude in meters, with one complete revolution corresponding to 1,000 meters. The small pointer indicates kilometers, with one complete revolution corresponding to 10,000 meters. This layout gives the crew both fine and general altitude reference at the same time. The VD-10VK Series 2 covers the altitude range from 0 to 10,000 meters, making it suitable for helicopters and other aircraft using metric altitude indication.

Integrated inductive sensor in VD-10VK

The “VK” index indicates an execution with an integrated inductive sensor. This sensor allows the altimeter to provide altitude-related electrical signals to other aircraft equipment, depending on the onboard system design. Such output may be used by connected flight-navigation, warning or automatic-control systems where altitude information is required in addition to cockpit pointer indication. When replacing the unit, this feature is important: a standard VD-10K altimeter and a VD-10VK altimeter may look similar, but they are not necessarily interchangeable in systems that require sensor output.

Pressure setting and barometric scale

The VD-10VK includes a barometric pressure setting mechanism. Pressure is set manually using the adjustment knob, and the selected pressure is shown on the barometric scale in millimeters of mercury. This allows altitude indication relative to the selected reference pressure, such as aerodrome pressure or another value required by flight procedures. Incorrect pressure setting can lead to wrong altitude indication even if the instrument is mechanically serviceable. During inspection, technicians normally check both pointer indication and the operation of the pressure setting mechanism.

Series 2 execution and cockpit use

Series 2 refers to a specific execution of the VD-10VK instrument. The unit is designed for aircraft operating conditions, including vibration, temperature changes and long-term cockpit use. Electrical power is required for lighting circuits and for the built-in sensor circuits, while the mechanical barometric indication itself is based on static pressure. When ordering or replacing the instrument, the exact designation VD-10VK Series 2 should be confirmed by label, passport, connector execution, wiring diagram and aircraft maintenance documentation.

Inspection and supply of VD-10VK

During maintenance, the VD-10VK is checked for pointer smoothness, indication error, pressure scale operation, case condition, glass and scale readability, static pressure fitting condition and sensor output where applicable. The static system must also be checked for leakage, moisture and blockage. For supply, it is important to confirm the exact series, condition, passport, calibration or verification status, connector configuration and compatibility with the aircraft system. If the connected system uses altitude signal output, the inductive sensor must be checked before installation.