A Low Cost GPS/Inertial Navigation System

Attempting to reduce cost and improvce performance, the development of GPS-inertial system continues. Several component tradeoffs are under consideration. We believe, however, that the system design should be included in the development. A modified configuration will bring excellent cost benefits. In addition, a problem exists with performance degradation of existing systems in the battlefield. This is due to a combination of GPS jamming and nonlinear environmental sensitivities of inertial systems, and is not due to the choice of components. A design is proposed using an adaptive intelligent software control system. Objectives of the design are to continuously tune the inertial system to its in-flight environment and obviate the need for a military GPS receiver. Instead, a commercial GPS receiver is used for in-air calibration, improving inertial system flight performance. The combination of modifying the GPS receiver usage, and the improved inertial system performance, allows the use of commercialsystems of both types (GPS and inertial) in military applications. In summary, the proposed design uses commercial equipment, resolves a problem of unreliable system performance, and provides opportunity for additional suppliers to pursue an expanded market, increasing competition and reducing cost. Anticipated Benefits: Uses commercial navigation equipment in military applications, solves a performance problem that exists in the battlefield, increases competition, reduces cost and improves reliability.