Advanced Development Program for the Ring Laser Gyro Navigator

Abstract

the adp (advanced development program) described in this paper is an outgrowth of Navy exploratory development efforts in laser gyro technology together with the highly successful flight test demonstrations of two prototype laser gyro guidance/navigation systems: the Navy-developed ATIGS (Advanced Tactical Inertial Guidance System) and the Honeywell LINS (Laser Inertial Navigation System) developed under internal development funds. The tests and evaluations completed on the ATIGS and LINS developmental hardware have demonstrated the ability of today's laser gyro strapdown technology to meet basic moderate quality inertial navigation system performance requirements. Under the RLGN Advanced Development Program, a single package laser gyro navigator (including laser gyro and accelerometers, computer and power supplies) is being developed to assess low life—cycle cost potential, reliability, maintainability, and performance factors in a full military environment. This not only includes land—based, fixed and rotary wing aircraft environments, but sea-based aircraft environments as well, and the associated capability of the RLGN to align in the dynamic carrier motion environment. The data provided by the RLGN advanced development program will form the foundation for proceeding into the engineering and preproduction development program that will provide cost-effective laser gyro inertial navigation system to meet a broad range of future weapon systems requirements.