CAINS: POINTING TO THE FUTURE

Ronald S. Vaughn

Peer Reviewed

Abstract: The CAINS (Carrier Aircraft Inertial Navigation System) was developed as a second generation fleet aircraft inertial navigation system. A system design approach not only assured that inertial navigation accuracy consistent with the state-of-the-art would be achieved, but that system reliability and maintainability would be enhanced. A primary goal in the development of CAINS was a rapid reaction capability, which utilizes both thermal modelling and statistically filtered alignment modes. By virtue of the rapid reaction requirement, a digital data link system was developed for input of reference navigation data aboard ship. This data link capability has been utilized for vectoring information as well. The mode flexibility of CAINS as a central aircraft navigation system suggests other uses of the data link for tactical navigation modes. The CAINS system represents the first step in a break of the traditional position of the INS (Inertial Navigation Set) as an exclusively self-contained navigation system.
Published in: NAVIGATION: Journal of the Institute of Navigation, Volume 18, Number 4
Pages: 353 - 359
Cite this article: Vaughn, Ronald S., "CAINS: POINTING TO THE FUTURE", NAVIGATION: Journal of The Institute of Navigation, Vol. 18, No. 4, Winter 1971-1972, pp. 353-359.
Full Paper: ION Members/Non-Members: 1 Download Credit
Sign In