Article: How Inertial Navigation Systems Work

By Mike Ball / 30 Mar 2020

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

OxTS inertial navigation systemOxTS, a developer of inertial sensing solutions for UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and robotics, has published an in-depth article explaining the operation of inertial navigation systems (INS), including their core components and the quantities measured.

Read the full article on OxTS’ website here

The article covers:

  • The difference between GPS and INS
  • Stabilised and strap-down navigation computers in INS
  • Frames of reference and measurements in 3D space
  • Accelerometers and the measurement of proper acceleration
  • Gyroscopes and MEMS angular rate sensors
  • Dead reckoning and combining accelerometer and gyro measurements
  • How drift accumulates in INS

Inertial navigation systems use multiple inertial sensors to calculate the position, orientation, and velocity of a moving object, and are a core component of many unmanned systems, including UAVs, drones, UGVs (unmanned ground vehicles) and UUVs (unmanned underwater vehicles). To find out more, read the full article on OxTS’ website.

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Advanced AI-Powered Drone, Autopilot & Hardware Solutions

Airvolute's open-architecture NVIDIA-based autopilots and UAS platforms have been utilized by NATO members as well as some of the world’s leading aerospace and defence companies

Apr 25, 2025
Most Read Articles on UST This Week

Here’s our round-up of the five most read articles on UnmannedSystemsTechnology.com this week

Apr 25, 2025
Nanomotion’s Velox Gimbal Enhances Border Surveillance Capabilities

Discover how Nanomotion’s Velox gimbal is enhancing drone surveillance with unmatched coverage, stability, and tracking—ideal for advanced border security operations

Apr 25, 2025
How NDAA Compliance Is Influencing UAV Component Sourcing

Mejzlik Propellers explains how evolving regulations and trade rules are leading UAV manufacturers to pursue more secure, compliant sourcing strategies for components

Apr 25, 2025
Nearthlab Joins Red Cat Futures Initiative to Advance Drone Technology

Nearthlab has partnered with Red Cat Holdings, joining the Red Cat Futures Initiative to advance next-gen uncrewed aircraft systems and contribute to U.S. defense and security innovations

Apr 25, 2025
Klein Marine Systems Integrates Exail Navigation Solution into Side Scan Sonar

Klein Marine Systems has integrated Exail’s advanced AHRS into its 5900 sonar, enhancing accuracy, stability, and efficiency for demanding underwater mapping missions

Apr 24, 2025

Featured Content

Apollo & Moonrock Launch $122.5m Drone, eVTOL Insurance Facility

Apollo and Moonrock take the lead on new $122.5m drone, eVTOL and aviation innovation insurance facility

Apr 22, 2025
ParaZero Unveils Advanced Parachute Recovery System

ParaZero launches the SafeAir M4, an advanced parachute recovery system designed for the DJI Matrice 4, enhancing drone safety, compliance, and mission readiness

Apr 17, 2025
Compact High Resolution MWIR Zoom Lens Released for UAV & ISR Platforms

MKS Instruments introduces the Ophir SupIR 10-135mm f/1.8 zoom lens, engineered for compact MWIR systems demanding long-range detection and high-resolution thermal imaging

Apr 17, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.