Millimeter-level Positioning and Sub-millimeter Profiling of the Holloman High Speed Sled Track

Brian J. Gathright and John White

Abstract:	The National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) and The Applied Research Laboratories, at The University of Texas at Austin (ARL:UT), have developed a rail surveying system consisting of a self-propelled rail cart, automated phase ambiguity resolution software, and laser optical scanning. The system provides kinematic GPS millimeter-level positioning and sub-millimeter laser profiling of the Holloman High Speed Sled Test Track (HHSSTT). The ten-mile HHSSTT supports at-speed cockpit ejection, acceleration/deceleration, and impact testing at track speeds up to Mach 8. GPS positioning accuracies of ±2.5 mm across-track and ±5 mm vertical, and laser profiling accuracies better than ±0.1 mm, help ensure the track is straight and level for high-speed tests. These accuracies are achieved while greatly reducing the time necessary to survey the entire rail. This paper reviews the operational concept of the rail cart system, the custom post processing methodology, and results from GPS and laser survey campaigns.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 2002 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 28 - 30, 2002 The Catamaran Resort Hotel San Diego, CA
Pages:	918 - 924
Cite this article:	Gathright, Brian J., White, John, "Millimeter-level Positioning and Sub-millimeter Profiling of the Holloman High Speed Sled Track," Proceedings of the 2002 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, San Diego, CA, January 2002, pp. 918-924.
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