inertsilnavigatsioonisüsteemi

Inertsilnavigatsioonisüsteemi, often abbreviated as INS, is a self-contained navigation system that uses motion sensors, accelerometers and gyroscopes, to track its position, orientation, and velocity without the need for external references. It continuously calculates its current position based on its initial position and the measured accelerations and rotations.

The core components of an INS are inertial measurement units (IMUs). An IMU typically consists of three accelerometers to measure linear acceleration along three perpendicular axes and three gyroscopes to measure angular velocity around three perpendicular axes. By integrating these measurements over time, the INS can determine changes in velocity, position, and attitude.

INS systems are known for their high accuracy over short periods, as they are not susceptible to external interference like GPS signals can be. This makes them valuable for applications where GPS might be unreliable, such as in submarines, aircraft during GPS jamming, or for precise maneuvering of spacecraft. However, INS systems suffer from drift. Small errors in the sensor measurements accumulate over time, leading to a gradually increasing error in the calculated position. This drift necessitates periodic recalibration or fusion with other navigation systems, such as GPS or Doppler radar, to maintain accuracy over longer durations. INS technology is crucial for autonomous vehicles, missile guidance, and surveying.