Low Cost Inertial Rate Sensors with Long Term Stability

The Air Force seeks sensors that provide angular long-term stability (LTS) for antenna pedestal units, avoiding the use of expensive devices to overcome attitude limitations. IFOS proposes to develop an innovative fiber-optic gyroscope (FOG) with requisite LTS features from a light-weight, compact and low-cost device that can sustain vibration and shock environments typical of inertial navigation platforms. Phase I feasibility experiments, conducted with an open-loop FOG prototype comprising new fiber components, demonstrated excellent LTS potential. Size, weight and power (SWaP) trade-off study provided guidance for a cost-effective FOG instrument with very small footprint. In Phase II, IFOS proposes to implement its innovative designs and packaging techniques through optimization of FOG elements (both the optical head and electronics). IFOS will construct a complete 3-axis FOG subsystem engineering prototype for Air Force use The proposed FOG will be demonstrated to requirements, including<0.1 degrees bias drift over extended time, temperature range and simulated vibration and shock environment. IFOS has assembled a multidisciplinary team of expert collaborators, including major prime contractors, to guide the FOG testing and integration within a complete Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). The outcome of this project is expected to significantly advance the state-of-the-art in the open-loop FOG architecture. BENEFIT: IFOS"s FOGs will directly benefit Air Force platforms that require low SWaP, high-resolution and/or long term platform stabilization, and will also be useful for terrestrial and airborne applications including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); shipborne; and highly mobile ground platforms programs. Other potential DoD applications include advanced tactical fighter (eg, F-22), NGAM (Next-Generation Ageis Missiles), PTSS (Precision Tracking Space System), ABL (Airborne Laser) and ALTB (Airborne Laser Test Bed) systems, ABIR (Airborne Infrared), THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense), and STSS (Space Tracking and Surveillance System). NASA"s future space exploration missions can also benefit from the IFOS FOGs. While FOGs for platform stabilization will be the focus of IFOS's efforts in the near term, we expect that this technology will ultimately benefit FOGs for robotic systems, such as future versions of the DOD"s Big Dog program, as well as FOGs for commercial aircraft inertial navigation systems (INS) and Stabilization of parts used for pointing on moving and/or stationary platforms. IFOS has clearly identified potential initial target markets and secured strong commitment and endorsement letters.