The accelerometer is suitable for use on missiles subjected to high acceltion forces on start. It comprises a base and a flat pendulum mounted on the base for oscillation about a rotation axis located in the plane of the pendulum. The distance between the center of gravity of the pendulum and the rotation axis is small as compared with the span of the pendulum. Electrodes are carried by a face of the pendulum on both sides of the axis and cooperate with electrodes carried by the base for generating an electrostatic balancing field. The pendulum has electrodes on one face only and that results in easier construction.