What technology do INS/IRS systems utilize for navigation?

The technology utilized by Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) and Inertial Reference Systems (IRS) for navigation primarily includes accelerometers and gyroscopes. These systems calculate the position, orientation, and velocity of a moving object without the need for external references.

Accelerometers measure the rate of change of velocity, allowing the system to track how fast the object is moving and in which direction. Gyroscopes, on the other hand, measure the rate of rotation around an axis, which helps in determining the orientation of the object. By integrating the data from both these sensors over time, the system can accurately compute the position changes of the vehicle.

This internal navigation capability is crucial for aircraft and other vehicles where satellite signals may be unavailable or unreliable (such as during adverse weather or in a dense urban environment). Consequently, while satellites, magnetic compasses, and transmitted radio signals can assist navigation in various systems, the core technology for INS and IRS relies on the combination of accelerometers and gyroscopes for precise navigation in real-time.