High Performance Angular Rate Sensors for Compact Inertial Guidance without GPS

Atom interferometer inertial sensors can provide game changing performance improvements in inertial accuracy for tactical inertially-guided weapons without the need for GPS aiding. This technology is the most viable option for manufacture of IMUs of strategic-grade accuracy in a tactical weapon-sized inertial package within a 5-year time frame. We propose to develop an atomic thermal beam gyroscope-accelerometer that will meet the goal of fielding inertially guided weapons without the need for GPS that will be available for field testing in the 3 5 year time frame. The proposed sensor will deliver better than navigation grade performance and will fit within a volume smaller than 50 cubic inches including lasers and drive electronics.