Lightweight, High-Precision Inertial Reference Unit

Applied Technology Associates (ATA) proposes to introduce a small, inexpensive, dual-function inertial angle measurement and control device based upon magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) technology. This new technology provides potential significant benefits forachieving a lightweight, high-precision inertial reference unit (IRU). The proposed MHD Actuator/Sensor will integrate technologies of low-noise sensors, actuators, electronics, and software into a multi-function assembly with capabilities that supportnanoradian-level IRU stable platform measurement and pointing control. Our innovation resides in two areas: (1) fusing precision inertial measurement and platform pointing functions in order to achieve unprecedented accuracy and jitter-free operation, and(2) applying novel high-bandwidth, low-cost, low-power, rugged MHD actuator and sensor technology to meet state-of-the-art performance goals to benefit commercialization. Unlike current approaches, this system can measure and cancel coupled interactionsbetween payload's base and the IRU stable platform at high frequency. A key advantage of our proposed dual-function sensor actuator is that it imparts no reactions onto the base payload structure on which the IRU is mounted. A variety of Air Force, othermilitary, NASA and commercial opportunities exist for lightweight, high-precision inertial reference systems (IRUs). New component technologies are required to gain anticipated benefits and commercial applications. The marketing opportunity space isprimarily driven by requirements associated with advanced optical systems, with performance objectives that require precise line-of-sight (LOS) pointing and stabilization. One important and near term application is the Airborne Laser (ABL), particularlyBlock 08 upgrades. Space-based Laser (SBL) and Aerospace Relay Mirror Systems (ARMS) also require lightweight, high-precision IRUs.