High Mach, High Altitude Navigational Sensor Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Topic No.: N08-073 Topic Title: High Mach, High Altitude Navigational Sensor Proposal No.: N081-073-1298 Firm: Trex Enterprises Corporation 10455 Pacific Center Court San Diego, California 92121-4339 Contact: Mikhail Belenkii Phone: (858) 646-5479 Web Site: www.trexenterprises.com Abstract: Future weapon systems will operate for long durations at high altitudes and Mach number speeds. There exists a strong possibility that such air vehicles will not be able to rely on GPS during the entire flight path. For GPS denied navigation of high altitude air vehicles, a low-cost, high-precision navigational sensor system is required. We propose a novel approach that uses a passive optical Angles-Only Navigator to provide periodic updates to a low-cost advanced Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to correct for accelerometer and gyro drifts, and to maintain accurate flight trajectory. In the Phase I program, we will conduct a performance analysis and trade-off study for the optical sensor, analyze the IMU drifts and determine requirements for periodic updates using Angles-Only navigation, develop a navigation filter, perform proof of concept field demonstration using existing hardware and software, and develop a preliminary concept of Phase II prototype. Benefits: The proposed approach for GPS denied navigation of high altitude air vehicles flying at supersonic speeds uses a passive optical system to maintain accurate flight trajectory and to provide periodic updates to an IMU in order to correct for accelerometer and gyro drifts. One of the key benefits provided by this system is its invulnerability to detection by an enemy defense system. Also it does not require imaging of the terrain features through clouds. It is expected that this program will develop a novel technology for GPS denied navigation of high altitude air vehicles which will have both commercial and military applications. The proposed system can be used for any high altitude air vehicles, including military and commercial aircrafts. Furthermore, future commercial high-latitude transport will need a back up to GPS, to mitigate the effects of solar flare disruptions. The proposed navigator provides an independent alternative to GPS. Return