Fiber Optic Gyro/Silicon Accelerometer Inertial Measurement Unit, Test Results

A. Matthews, M. Weintraub

Abstract:	Under an SDI contract a small, lightweight Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) was developed that uses two new technologies namely, Fiber Optic Gyros and miniature micro machined single-crystal Silicon Accelerometers. This paper describes the theory of operation of the two new inertial instruments which lead to an IMU of high sensitivity, wide bandwidth, low noise, low weight and rapid reaction; ideal for many Strategic Defense Initiatives (SDI), military and commercial applications. A flyable brassboard model of the IMU was built with three miniature Fiber Optic Gyros (FOG) and three silicon accelerometers. The brassboard model was tested under static and dynamic conditions in a laboratory and the test data compared favorably to the performance objectives. This paper concludes by forecasting the next phase, continued miniaturization, and adaptation to missiles and aircraft compass/ Altitude and Heading Reference Systems {AHRS) for many applications.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 1989 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 23 - 26, 1989 San Mateo, CA
Pages:	223 - 231
Cite this article:	Matthews, A., Weintraub, M., "Fiber Optic Gyro/Silicon Accelerometer Inertial Measurement Unit, Test Results," Proceedings of the 1989 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, San Mateo, CA, January 1989, pp. 223-231.
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