Inertial Rate Sensors for Next Generation Interceptors

Advanced Ballistic Missile Defense Systems (BMDS) missions require advanced Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) and Inertial Reference Units (IRUs) to support future interceptor avionics. In turn, the IMUs/IRUs require gyroscopes that can provide high-resolution Line of Sight (LoS) stabilization and accurate inertial pointing. IFOS, bringing years of pioneering experience in Fiber-Optic Gyroscopes (FOGs), proposes to develop an advanced, lightweight FOG-based IRU that can meet the stringent requirements for interceptor IMUs including high performance in the high shock, vibration, and radiation environments that accompany launch and flight operations while maintaining excellent pointing accuracies that meet or exceed the levels required. IFOS will exploit innovative techniques, employing the latest advances in photonics and system-level performance optimization, within a ruggedized package designed for the harsh launch and flight environments. In collaboration with world-class experts in the field and with support from leading primes, the Phase II work will focus on design, fabrication, testing and commercialization of a reduced- size, lightweight, and radiation-hard three-axes system that can enhance the capability of current and future interceptors in a hostile environment.