ATA Tactical Inertial Reference Unit

ABSTRACT: All High Energy Laser (HEL) systems require accurate pointing and precise stabilization of the laser beam to be effective. HEL systems hosted on aircraft pose an additional challenge to beam stabilization efforts due to the harsh linear and angular vibration environments inherent in such vehicles. A key element of the stabilization system is the Optical Inertial Reference Unit (OIRU). The ATA Tactical Inertial Reference Unit (ATA TIRU) high performance design has a resolution greater than 500 nano-radians. In addition, the ATA TIRU is designed to minimize the Size Weight and Power (SWaP) of OIRU technology. The innovative mechanical design will fit within a 3"x3"x3"cube and will consume less than 18 W of power in its quiescent state. Versatility is built into the ATA TIRU design. This provides the Air Force with a powerful, low SWaP, high performance device that can be the cornerstone for all future directed energy, laser communications, and high resolution imaging systems. ATA has a legacy of custom research and development solution success. Custom engineered solutions require a deep understanding of engineering design principles and an unwavering desire to meet the customers"needs. ATA"s is pleased to offer the Air Force the ATA TIRU technology. BENEFIT: Current OIRU technologies are too large to be placed on smaller gimbaled telescopes found in the tactical arena. The ATA TIRU is an enabling technology for the tactical arena, as up until this effort, no OIRU has been designed to meet the Size Weight and Power (SWaP) constraints that this environment levies on an OIRU. These requirements require a change in the design philosophy in current OIRU technology. ATA TIRU is our solution to this need. The ATA TIRU is based on proven ATA Magneto Hydro Dynamic (MHD) Angular Rate Sensor (ARS) technology. The innovative mechanical design of the ATA TIRU fits within a 3"x3"x3"cube, delivers less than 500nano-radians of jitter onto its optical reference beam, and consumes less than 18 W of power in its quiescent state. The ATA TIRU advanced design provides an opportunity for ATA to market and receive funding from non-SBIR sources and it gives the Air Force unmatched state of the art OIRU performance for its future HEL weapons development programs.