Silicon Sensing has released a summary of the considerations involved in selecting inertial sensors and systems for tactical All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).
ATVs are indispensable for modern defence and disaster response, operating in environments unsuitable for conventional vehicles, covering extremely challenging terrain, often for prolonged periods. However, with this versatility comes a significant engineering challenge: maintaining vehicle stability and controllability under rapidly changing conditions and often severe dynamic forces.
Without the use of modern stabilisation equipment tactical ATVs can be particularly vulnerable to rollover and traction loss. These vehicles often feature an elevated centre of gravity, have a heavy payload capability and must be highly manoeuvrable across diverse landscapes. Any instability is likely to compromise mission success, damage valuable payloads – and could endanger personnel.
In this article, the company uses its expertise to identify key considerations and evaluate the various inertial technologies available, including FOG (Fiber Optic Gyroscope), RLG (Ring Laser Gyroscope), and MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems), offering an overview of the optimal applications for each technology.
