As uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) play increasingly important roles in tactical assignments, their tactical guidance and navigation grows in importance. Fortunately, the performance and reliability of microelectromechanical-systems (MEMS) inertial-measurement-unit (IMU) devices is also on the rise.
The model IMU-H100 MEMS IMU from Inertial Labs, a VIAVI Solutions company, provides the guidance and navigational capabilities for tactical UAVs and missiles as well as a variety of commercial applications requiring precision positioning. The compact IMU, which maintains precision steering capability of 1 degree/h within a lightweight package measuring just 5 in.3, is well-suited for incorporation in smaller UAVs.
The model IMU-H100 IMU (see image above) measures angular velocity in three axes with three MEMS gyroscopes and linear acceleration, also in three axes, with three MEMS accelerometers. It maintains a gyroscope bias of 1 degree/h and accelerometer bias of 1 gravitational unit (g).
The MEMS IMU, designed for ease of use and speed of integration into UAVs, is available in ITAR-free (lead-free) form. It supports the universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) and synchronous data link control (SDLC) control systems to simplify retrofitting into legacy equipment.
Jamie Marraccini, VP for Inertial Labs Products at VIAVI, explained, “The IMU-H100 is the latest addition to our large family of tactical-grade IMUs and couples an exceptional gyro and accelerometer repeatability bias with industry-leading performance and ruggedness.”
He added, “Its design builds on over 20 years of innovation and enables the guidance and stabilization required by both the commercial sector and aerospace and defense applications worldwide.”
