Azimuth and Elevation Orientation System for Gun Tubes

A particular need exists for systems to accurately orient mortar gun tubes in the field. Specifically, a system is sought that is compact enough to be man portable and fit on a 60 or 81 mm mortar barrel, capable of withstanding lateral shock up of 3 -15,000G, be able to resolve azimuth and elevation in the 1 to 3 mil range, and settle within 1 minute. In this SBIR program, MET Tech proposes to help meet this need with a system containing an innovative compact high-performance gyroscope, along with suitable linear accelerometer(s). MET Tech has developed a radically new category of inertial sensors (linear and angular accelerometers, gyroscopes, inclinometers and seismometers) called Molecular Electronic Transducers (MET). Unlike other inertial sensors, MET sensors are inherently tolerant of very high shock without compromising performance. They combine the high performance of FOGs with the small size of MEMS sensors, at low cost. In Phase I we will demonstrate feasibility of an azimuth and elevation measurement system meeting program objectives through use of analytical modeling, as well as estimating the performance and cost of a full gun-hardened version. Phase II will develop and fabricate a prototype system, which will be tested for performance and ability to survive a simulated gun-firing. Phase III will be devoted to the development of an optimized mortar control package for integration into munitions selected by the Army.