Silicon-Based IMU

A silicon inertial measurement unit made by BAe Systems has been selected for use on the South African Army's Unmanned Aerial Observation System (UAOS) tactical aircraft. Advanced Technologies & Engineering Co. (Pty) Ltd. of South Africa, the aircraft developer, chose the SiIMU(TM) silicon micro-machined electro-mechanical inertial measurement unit for the vehicle's autopilot and strap-down inertial navigation system.

The South African Army has selected the UAOS tactical aircraft to support artillery units in target geo-location, fall-of-shot detection, and fire correction. Advanced Technologies & Engineering Co. is performing aircraft development, production, and logistic support.

"The silicon-based SiIMU sensor we will supply for this program weighs far less, is more shock-resistant, and is less expensive than conventional gyro systems," said Art Siegel, vice president of Inertial Products for BAe Systems. "We are pleased to offer this breakthrough technology in support of the vitally important and growing UAV community."

Using the world's first silicon micro-machined ring gyroscope technology, the SiIMU sensor is a fully compensated 6-degree-of-freedom rate and linear acceleration measurement unit. (SiIMU technology is in production and has been selected for various missile and projectile programs including the U.K. Navy Seawolf, U.S. Navy Extended Range Guided Munition, U.S. Army Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, U.S. Navy Rolling Airframe Missile, and the U.K. and Swedish Army's next-generation shoulder-launched anti-tank missile, MBT-LAW.)

FMI: www.na.baesystems.com