Advances in lightweight precision north finding and positioning systems

Abstract

Far Target Location (FTL) is a key element of the US Army's Force Operating Capabilities (FOC) doctrine to see, understand, and act first and foremost on the battlefield. Precise FTL data provides today's Soldier with essential information pertaining to direct and indirect fire, surveillance, and maneuver missions, where reliable and accurate Situational Awareness (SA) is vitally important for dismounted military operations. The US Army in conjunction with our industry partners, have spent the last ten years canvasing the marketplace to develop, optimize, and make available for fielding a lightweight, low power and accurate north finder and position keeping inertial module. This effort has included the technologies of Fiber Optic Gyros (FOGs), Ring Laser Gyros (RLGs), Magnetohydrodynamic gyros (MHD), Hemispherical Resonator Gyros (HRG), and MicroElectroMechanical Systems gyros (MEMS) and various hybrid solutions. Included in these efforts have been major breakthroughs in the evolution of the technologies, many challenges, and a continuing effort to push the boundaries of what is possible in this rapidly changing field. This paper will cover the progress, present state, and visions for the future as it applies to the dismounted soldier and combat vehicle crew members.