Drift-Free MEMS IMU for Precision Determination of Attitude and Position of Unmanned Vehicles and Sonobuoys

We propose a compact, low cost, bias stabilized MEMS inertial measurement unit (IMU) as the most critical component of a miniature, low cost, low drift, high accuracy inertial navigation system (INS). This IMU is capable of providing stable attitude and position data and supports autonomous guidance in an INS for high altitude antisubmarine warfare (ASW), UAVs, sonobuoys and pod or turret mounted sensors and will exhibit the low power and compact size necessary for these applications. This effort will leverage work already underway in three related programs at MSSA to develop autonomous navigation for air drops (Army), stabilize antennas in aerial vehicles (Air Force) and stabilize reaction wheels for small satellites (NASA Ames).