Compact, Low-Cost Inertial Rate Sensor for Ascent Phase Interceptors

Ascent Phase interceptors require lighter weight, smaller, more robust and lower cost avionics components that can withstand stressing launch conditions and severe radiation environments without compromising their performance. In particular, rate sensors for Inertial Reference Units (IRUs) that can provide high-resolution Line of Sight (LOS) stabilization, more accurate inertial pointing and higher bandwidths needed to support planned early intercept avionics systems. IFOS, with a team having many years of pioneering experience in Fiber-Optic Gyroscopes (FOGs), radiation hardening and mitigation of vibration effects proposes developing an advanced FOG that will ultimately be able to withstand radiation as well as the high shock and vibration that accompany launch, yet be able to deliver tactical grade pointing accuracies at kHz data rates. IFOS will exploit innovative techniques including new fiber components, coil production methods, robust packaging and advanced signal processing techniques that would allow the substantial reductions in weight and volume of interest to MDA. Phase I will focus on design and demonstration of a proof-of-concept FOG with improved bias drift and other desirable performance features that is compatible with robust packaging, leading to a Phase I option where RH and vibration shielding aspects will be further analyzed and detailed.