A Three-Axis Monolithic Ring Laser Gyro

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Abstract
Evolution of the inertial sensor element for aircraft navigation applications over the last three decades has happened in many areas. Volume/weight has decreased, performance/reliability has increased, and support electronics capability has increased by an order of magnitude. A rotating wheel iron gyro-based sensor element now weighs 8 lb and performs to an accuracy of 0.1 to 0.8 nmi/h. The Ring Laser Gyro-based sensor element has been introduced over the last decade. The first generation Ring Laser Gyro sensor element weighs 20 lb and performs better than 0.8 nmi/h. Significant reliability improvements are projected for this technology. This paper describes a second generation Ring Laser Gyro that will reduce weight to that of the iron gyro-based system. A brief description of the instrument is provided along with flight test data accumulated on the unit. Use of an advanced digital signal processor electronics architecture is discussed as a companion development to reduce system weight/volume and to further increase reliability.

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