Which instrument is powered by the pitot-static system to provide airspeed information?

The instrument that is powered by the pitot-static system to provide airspeed information is the Mach number indicator. This instrument measures the speed of an aircraft relative to the speed of sound, which is essential for high-speed flight operations. The Mach number indicator uses data from the pitot tube, which measures dynamic pressure as the aircraft moves through the air.

In contrast, the altimeter measures the aircraft's altitude by comparing static air pressure outside the aircraft with preset atmospheric pressure values. The rate-of-climb indicator uses the difference between static pressure measurements taken over time to determine the vertical speed of the aircraft, while the heading indicator, typically powered by a magnetic compass or gyroscope, indicates the direction the aircraft is pointed. These instruments rely on different systems rather than the pitot-static system, highlighting the specific role of the Mach number indicator in conjunction with airspeed calculations.