Small Form Factor, High Precision, High Bandwidth, Low Latency, Inertial Measurement Unit Based on Resonant Micro Optic Gyro (RMOG IMU)

Next generation missile interceptor seekers have migrated toward a strap-down seeker configuration, the IMU subsystems for these applications need to perform well under harsher environments, with respect to the gimbaled seeker systems of the past, due to the higher vibration and angular acceleration environments they will experience. The sensor package (IMU/INS) needs to maintain performance in a smaller package in order to address the unique requirements presented by an advanced seeker. Present day Interceptor-class IMU gyroscopes provide corrected angular rate information at up to 2000 hertz, with angular drift rates on the order of 1-3 degrees per hour. Smaller, lightweight, low cost inertial sensors that provide low-latency, corrected angular rate data at 20-30 kHz, with similar or improved angular drift rates are now within reach using a Resonant Micro Optic Gyro (RMOG) based system. In addition to the RMOG, the new IMU will utilize the state of the art in MEMS accelerometers and embedded processors. The advances in high density FPGA devices and their immediate availability will allow for user customizable functions to be incorporated into the IMU/INS device such as Line of Sight Stabilization (LOSS) and control and vehicle Guidance-Navigation & Control (GN&C) functions.