GPS-AIDED NAVIGATION SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR SMART MUNITIONS AND GUIDED MISSILES

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is finding increasing use as an effective means of improving accuracy of Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) carried on board guided projectile and missile systems. Two warfare areas that have provided strong motivation for using integrated GPS/INS are Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) and Tactical Ballistic Missile Defense (TBMD). This paper presents an overview of various techniques for the integration of the GPS and the INS in a guided weapon system. Then the development of a multi-purpose GPS/INS simulation and analysis tool is described. The model was developed with the flexibility to support a variety of possible technology demonstration and full scale development programs involving GPS-aided guided weapons. The simulation includes detailed models of the GPS satellites and receiver, jamming environment, navigation Kalman filter, inertial navigation system with strapdown inertial measurement unit, six degree-of-freedom airframe and guidance and control components. To illustrate navigation capability, the performance of a GPS-aided smart munition is analyzed in detail. A review of some emerging technology trends and potential future applications for GPS/INS is also provided.