Inertial Navigation System

Self-contained navigation systems allow aircraft to determine position without relying on external signals. Understanding the Inertial Navigation System (INS) helps pilots recognize how internal sensors track motion and calculate aircraft location during long-distance operations.


Inertial Navigation System

Introduction to Inertial Navigation System

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Inertial Navigation System

Inertial Navigation System (INS) Function

  • The INS starts with a known position, waypoint 0
  • The accuracy of the INS is only as good as the accuracy of waypoint 0
  • The INS calculates magnetic headings by applying a magnetic variation corrections to true north
  • Essentially the INS dead reckons from waypoint 0 for the entire duration of the flight

Inertial Navigation System

Frequencies

  • UHF Radios:
    • Allow for short range, line-of-sight, voice and data communications
    • Frequency ranges from 225.0 to 399.95 MHz
    • Some UHF radios have satellite communications (SATCOM) capability with the additional specialized antennas and power amplifiers
  • VHF Radios:
    • Allows for short to medium range, line-of-sight, voice and data communications
    • Frequency ranges 30 to 79.95 MHz
  • HF Radio:
    • Allows transmission and reception of long-range voice and data
    • Not commonly used
    • Comparable to short-wave (HAM) radio
    • Frequency ranges between 2.000 and 29.999 MHz

Inertial Navigation System

Inertial Navigation System Conclusion


Inertial Navigation System

Inertial Navigation System References