Aeron Systems, a developer of Electronic Warfare (EW)-resilient navigation solutions for contested and GNSS-denied environments, discusses the role of gyroscopes and the main technologies used in modern guidance and Inertial Navigation Systems (INS). Read more >>
Gyroscopes are a fundamental component of inertial navigation and guidance systems. For over a century, they have been used to determine the inertial state and orientation of moving platforms. From early guided weapons such as the Kettering Bug to the Apollo spacecraft, gyro performance has played a critical role in mission success.
As the technology has evolved, gyroscopes have found applications across a wide range of systems. They are used to monitor aircraft orientation, stabilize camera images, and guide unmanned aircraft during flight. Gyroscopes are also employed in critical applications such as ballistic missile guidance, tunnel construction, naval fire control systems, and satellite navigation.
Traditional gyroscopes consisted of a spinning wheel or disc that relied on the principle of conservation of angular momentum. The spinning axis remains stable despite external motion. Over time, new technologies were developed to improve accuracy, consistency, size, and cost, leading to a range of modern gyro types.
Ring Laser Gyroscopes (RLG) & Fiber Optic Gyroscopes (FOG)
Both RLG and FOG technologies operate using the Sagnac effect. In this method, a beam of light is split into two and sent along opposite paths. When the beams are recombined, interference patterns are observed, and platform rotation can be calculated from these patterns. In an RLG, the light circulates within a laser cavity, while in a FOG, light from an external laser is transmitted through a fiber optic coil.
Dynamically Tuned Gyroscopes (DTG)
DTGs are mechanical gyroscopes that use a rotor supported by very free pivots. At a specific tuning speed, the rotor experiences minimal torque and behaves like an ideal gyroscope. Rotation or displacement is then measured through the gimbal system.
MEMS Gyroscopes
MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) gyroscopes use microscopic vibrating structures, typically ranging from 1 to 100 micrometers in size. These devices measure rotation based on the tendency of a vibrating body to remain in its plane of motion. When the platform’s orientation changes, the vibrating element produces a measurable force that can be used to calculate rotational movement.
Compared to FOG and RLG technologies, MEMS gyroscopes are extremely compact and can be integrated directly onto electronic circuits. They offer adequate performance for many applications, require no maintenance due to the absence of moving components, and are available at significantly lower cost.
To find out more information, read ‘Gyroscopes And Their Types’ here >>
