Which navigation system increased UAS accuracy beyond INS?

Which navigation system increased UAS accuracy beyond INS?

• A. Global Positioning System
• B. Inertial Navigation System
• C. Loran-C
• D. Radio Altimeter

Answer: (A)

The Global Positioning System provides external, real-time position fixes from satellites, which correct the drift inherent in an Inertial Navigation System. An INS estimates position from accelerometers and gyros, but its measurements accumulate error over time, leading to decreasing accuracy if uncorrected. GPS offers precise, absolute position updates, allowing the aircraft to recalibrate its onboard navigation and maintain much higher accuracy than the INS alone. Loran-C is an older radio navigation method with lower accuracy; a radio altimeter only measures altitude above terrain, not horizontal position; the inertial system by itself cannot achieve global accuracy without updates. Therefore GPS increases UAS navigation accuracy beyond what the INS can achieve.

The Global Positioning System provides external, real-time position fixes from satellites, which correct the drift inherent in an Inertial Navigation System. An INS estimates position from accelerometers and gyros, but its measurements accumulate error over time, leading to decreasing accuracy if uncorrected. GPS offers precise, absolute position updates, allowing the aircraft to recalibrate its onboard navigation and maintain much higher accuracy than the INS alone. Loran-C is an older radio navigation method with lower accuracy; a radio altimeter only measures altitude above terrain, not horizontal position; the inertial system by itself cannot achieve global accuracy without updates. Therefore GPS increases UAS navigation accuracy beyond what the INS can achieve.