Honeywell has launched the HG3900 Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), a compact, lightweight, and low-power tactical-grade unit that delivers precision and dependability comparable to larger near-navigation-grade IMUs.
The HG3900 integrates all-silicon MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) gyroscopes and accelerometers, allowing for a substantial reduction in size, weight, and power consumption compared to IMUs built with conventional components. Its upgraded sensors enhance performance, delivering a twentyfold improvement over previous Honeywell MEMS devices.
This unit is engineered to maintain backward compatibility. As Honeywell’s well-established HG1900 IMU approaches the end of its production lifecycle, the HG3900 is being introduced in an almost identical package to support a smooth upgrade path for current HG1900 users.
Alongside Honeywell’s standard product development procedures, the HG3900 has undergone extensive environmental qualification through testing conducted by the U.S. Army and Navigation Technology Associates (NTA). It met all operational standards under challenging conditions involving intense vibration and fluctuating temperatures.
High-performance MEMS IMUs like the HG3900 offer robust and accurate positioning and orientation information, even in the absence of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) input. They are capable of operating autonomously when GNSS signals are disrupted, misdirected, or unavailable.
The design verification phase is expected to extend through 2026, with initial manufacturing and shipments anticipated by late 2026 or early 2027. Honeywell is currently taking orders for pre-production units scheduled for delivery in 2026.
Matt Picchetti, vice president and general manager, Navigation and Sensors, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, stated, “Our HG3900 IMU is an ideal solution for customer applications requiring tactical or near-nav grade performance in a small, lightweight package. Extensive Honeywell and customer testing demonstrates that our new IMU offers superior real-world performance in a smaller package as compared to other IMUs.”
