An Ultra-Sensitive Accelerometer based on Advanced Pendulous Integrating Gyro Accelerometer (PIGA) Technology

The Navy objective to develop and demonstrate an innovative common acceleration technology applicable to inertial navigation, real-time gravimetry and real-time gravity gradient measurements can be met by introducing improvements and innovative changes to an existing government-owned accelerometer technology. The technology is based on the well-understood and well-engineered principle of the pendulous integrating gyro accelerometer (PIGA). This technology was developed specifically for rugged, high-g, high-performance U.S. ballistic missile guidance systems, and currently has a substantial base of engineering and manufacturing capability. The proposed modifications will adapt the PIGA to the low-end of the gravity spectrum. The introduction of a unique operational change to the PIGA offers the possibility of not only meeting the Navy goal performance in the short term, but of exceeding them by a substantial margin in the future.