A method for determining the performance of a precision inertial guidance system

This paper describes an advanced method, using an additional Inertial Measurement Unit named AIRS, to provide measurement data for determining performance of the Minuteman ballistic missile inertial guidance system. The paper briefly describes the previous methods used for evaluating guidance system on Minuteman by utilizing land-fixed radar tracking and the evolution to the dual Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) concept. The paper describes the concepts, the calibration methods, the required airborne and supporting hardware, and the analysis techniques. The paper includes a discussion of the follow-on AIRS sled test program, describing how the flight hardware and supporting equipment was used essentially without modification.