START: a broad application spectrum gyro for the 1990s

Abstract

START is an all-solid-state angular rate sensor which began development in the early 1980s for weapons applications. The development phases of the START program are outlined, and the principle of operation is described. The current status and performance achieved are described. The areas of application for which START is either used or projected for field tests are given. The expected time scale for moving from prototype to large quantity production is considered. The version of START for the first generation of a new rate sensor technology in which the emphasis is on providing a wide performance range with very high shock resistance at the lowest price, is presented.<>