The book provides an up-to-date guide to the techniques and applications of inertial navigation for use by both practicing engineers and post-graduate students. The book satisfies a need for a book on the subject of inertial navigation that provides both an introduction to the techniques involved as well as information on modern technological developments, combined with a more rigorous mathematical treatment for the reader wishing to explore the subject in greater depth. The text describes the basic concepts of inertial navigation with particular emphasis on modern strapdown system technology, providing detailed information on system mechanizations, instrumentation and computational aspects, design analysis, and applications of such systems. In particular, the text provides up-to-date information on inertial sensor technology and inertial navigation system computational techniques, bringing together the broad experience of the authors within a single volume. The text contains both descriptive passages and also mathematical details where appropriate. MEMS is the focus of much research and development activity at the present time; this technology offers rugged and reliable sensors with a performance capability that lends itself to integration with satellite navigation systems. This second edition has been updated in a number of areas to reflect ongoing developments in the field of inertial navigation technology. In addition to a number of refinements covering sensor technology, geodesy, and error modeling, the major additions to the original text are new chapters on MEMS (micro electro-mechanical systems) technology and system applications. A broad range of applications are addressed in a second new chapter, covering ship's inertial navigation, tactical missiles, well bore surveying systems, automobiles, and sightline stabilization systems, to name but a few.
David Titterton is a principal scientist at DRA, researching novel technology. He spent more than a decade researching navigation and guidance technology for a range of aerospace applications, which led to a number of publications. During this time he was also involved in the development and evaluation of miniature inertial sensors, and he also studied the ''system issues'' associated with the integration of strapdown technology to new applications. The University of Sheffield awarded him a BSc in Physics in 1969 and a PhD in 1973 for his research into the atomic structure of crystals.
John Weston is a navigation consultant with Sperry-Sun (UK) Ltd, concerned with the application of strapdown technology to well-bore surveying. Prior to this he worked in missile guidance and control, originally with British Aerospace plc, and, more recently, with Beacon Consultants Ltd, a technical consultancy, which he cofounded in 1984. His research interests include strapdown alignment and aided inertial systems, which have led to a number of publications. He received his BSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wales in 1968 and his MSc in Control Systems from the University of Birmingham in 1970. He is a member of the IEE.
