Performance of a Next Generation Integrated Multi-Sensor Time-Space Position Information (TSPI) System

M.A. Smearcheck, M.J. Veth

Abstract:	This paper provides a performance analysis for various combinations of navigation sensors integrated by means of an extended Kalman filter (EKF) to support development of a next generation navigation systems test and evaluation platform for the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC). The test and evaluation platform will be installed on an aircraft during flight testing of navigation devices to collect Time-Space Position Information (TSPI). Sensors under consideration for an upgraded TSPI system include GPS, inertial measurement units (IMUs), electro-optical and infrared onboard cameras, onboard laser range finders, ground tracking radar, and ground based camera/laser theodolites. The performance of the EKF, evaluated by means of aircraft state vector errors, using varying combinations of the aforementioned sensors will result in an improved TSPI sensor platform. Since the AFFTC carries out test and evaluation activities in a controlled environment, a test range located in the Mojave desert, the next generation TSPI device can take advantage of factors such as a stable climate, terrain surveys, natural terrain features, the capability to deploy man-made features, and ground based sensors.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 23rd International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2010) September 21 - 24, 2010 Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon Portland, OR
Pages:	2489 - 2499
Cite this article:	Smearcheck, M.A., Veth, M.J., "Performance of a Next Generation Integrated Multi-Sensor Time-Space Position Information (TSPI) System," Proceedings of the 23rd International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2010), Portland, OR, September 2010, pp. 2489-2499.
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