A Low-Cost Airborne EO Oceanographic Measurement System

With the development of intelligent gun-launched munitions such as the US Navy ExtendedRange Guided Munition, there is a strong need for small, inexpensive, rugged and accurateinertial navigation systems (INS). Advances in MEMS sensors, miniature GPS receiversand A/J capability make a GPS-aided MEMS-based INS a strong candidate for this technologyThe objective of Phase I is to demonstrate the feasibility of a complete COTS INS solutionthat meets these requirements. Performance prediction of several externally aided INSdesign approaches will be performed. Packaging, electrical, and producibility issueswill be addressed along with high-G testing. Phase II will involve prototype developmentand high-G testing of the proposed integrated INS.The potential commercial market for such an INS is orders of magnitude larger than anycontemplated military market. Current automobile navigation systems rely completely onGPS. The INS would provide the navigation during times of GPS dropout caused by satelliteLOS obstruction and signal interference. Other markets include commercial and privateaircraft navigation and control, robotics, toys, medical equipment, surveying equipment,Geographic Information Systems, self-documenting digital photography systems used inhighway maintenance, crime scene documentation, and insurance investigation.