High-End Tactical Grade Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) Technology for Missile Defense

"The Rad Hard IMU proposed in this research is a cornerstone technology required for the next generation of Common Kill Vehicles. It provides best-in-class performance in a compact package suitable for use on the Redesigned Kill Vehicle (RKV) and Multi-Object Kill Vehicle (MOKV). It provides a common Kill Vehicle Modular Open Architecture (KVMOA) interface compatible with future MDA development programs and modernization efforts. It provides the enhanced survivability and radiation hardness necessary to enable a broader range of engagements and an expansion of the battle space. Phase I developed the design concept, demonstrated performance through component testing, and established the feasibility of the approach to meet requirements in the operational flight environment. Phase II completes the detailed design, fabricates two prototype units, and performs operational environment testing to advance the design to TRL-5. Phase II further matures the technology by flying a prototype on a suborbital launch vehicle to demonstrate performance in a relevant environment and advance to TRL-6. The Rad Hard IMU is being developed on a timeline that supports insertion into the RKV and MOKV programs in Phase III. The research plan has the partnerships in place to support both Phase III manufacturing and Phase III technology transition."