Fiber optic gyros: the vision realized

Abstract

Over thirty five years have elapsed since the fiber optic gyro was proposed by Vali and Shorthill. In those decades, fiber gyros have matured. They are competing head to head with existing technologies such as mechanical gyros and RLGs in tactical, navigation and strategic applications and are winning. Northrop Grumman has produced the majority of fiber optic gyros and fiber optic gyro based inertial products in the world. This paper will cover the various Northrop fiber gyro products, the platforms they are used on, as well as production and top level system data.