Magnetic Cylinder Gyro (MCG)

ABSTRACT:High performance angular rate sensors (gyros) with low SWaP, wide operating temperature range, and low cost are required to improve tactical IMUs to strategic grade for long-range weapons guidance without GPS. ATA is proposing the Magnetic Cylinder Gyro (MCG), a non-MEMS 2-DOF rate gyro based on a spinning magnetic sphere. The MCG is a relatively simple device with minimal parts count yet has the potential for very high performance with low SWaP and cost. Initial analysis of the MCG shows promise of a small, rugged, low power gyro in a relatively small package (~1 in3 MSG volume goal). The MCG has the potential for low cost in volume production due to low parts count and because many of the fundamental MCG components are currently COTS components produced in high volume and at low cost. The Phase I effort will focus on the design, fabrication, and the characterization of the MCG Engineering Development Unit (EDU). The MCG EDU is a critical laboratory experiment unit to demonstrate the MSG physical principles and the MCG concept feasibility to achieve the required IMU improvements. ATA will leverage our inertial device development and IRU/IMU expertise in the development of the MCG and tactical IMUs.BENEFIT:There are numerous technical benefits to ATAs Magnetic Cylinder Gyro (MCG): 1) high reliability, 2) robustness/ruggedness in a tactical environment, and 3) non-MEMS based design. MCG will provide lower SWaP-C, lower linear shock and vibration sensitivity, and lower inherent radiation susceptibility than current gyros. MCG features a low complexity, low parts count mechanical gyro design that will provide the low costs required by tactical Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs). It has the potential for high performance and can be rapidly tuned for various applications. This is in contrast to MEMS design changes, which are extremely time consuming and expensive. ATA has been developing technology for the U.S. Government and Aerospace contractors since 1975. ATAs success in generating additional revenue tied to our Phase I and Phase II SBIR projects has allowed ATA to grow and expand its business through Phase III commercialization and other spin-off contracts. As reported in the ATA Company Commercialization Report, we have received 54 Phase I SBIR awards and 22 Phase II awards. ATAs track record for commercialization of SBIR sponsored technology is excellent, resulting in a Commercialization Achievement Index of 95 and related cumulative revenues from sales and additional investments of over $42 million. ATAs approach to commercializing MCG is to use our existing infrastructure to transition MCG to the commercial marketplace. We will leverage our existing Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) network, and facilities for product development, manufacturing, and support. Because of its position in the high-precision sensor niche market, ATAs comprehensive marketing and distribution network intends to promote the MCG through existing channels primarily in the in the U.S. aerospace and defense industries. MCG has the potential to provide better solutions for inertial sensing applications in spacecraft and missiles than current technologies.