inertial guidance
Noun: A system for controlling the flight path of a vehicle (such as a missile, aircraft, or spacecraft) using devices that measure and respond to inertial forces—the forces related to the vehicle's own acceleration and rotation—without needing external references like stars or radio signals.
This term is used specifically in the context of aerospace engineering, navigation, and military technology. It describes a self-contained, autonomous guidance system.
Examples: * The submarine's course was maintained by its sophisticated inertial guidance system. * Modern rockets often rely on inertial guidance during the initial stages of flight. * The key advantage of inertial guidance is its independence from external signals, making it immune to jamming.
- Inertial guidance system (IGS): The full, integrated assembly of components (gyroscopes, accelerometers, and a computer) that performs inertial guidance.
- The spacecraft's inertial guidance system calculated its position solely based on measured movements from launch.
- Inertial navigation: A very closely related term, often used interchangeably with "inertial guidance." It typically emphasizes the continuous calculation of position, while "guidance" implies the use of that data for steering.
- Inertial measurement unit (IMU): The core sensor component of an inertial guidance system, containing the accelerometers and gyroscopes.
- Self-contained guidance
- Dead reckoning (specifically for navigation, though traditionally not electronic)
- To guide inertially: The action of using an inertial guidance system.
- The missile was guided inertially to its target area before its seeker activated.
- a method of controlling the flight of a missile by devices that respond to inertial forces