One of the first UAS used Inertial Navigation System (INS) for guidance. What updated technology improved the accuracy and capability of UAS?

One of the first UAS used Inertial Navigation System (INS) for guidance. What updated technology improved the accuracy and capability of UAS?

• A. Inertial Measurement Unit
• B. Radar
• C. Global Positioning System (GPS)
• D. LiDAR

Answer: (C)

GPS added an external, global position reference to INS navigation. INS relies on gyros and accelerometers to estimate motion, but small errors accumulate over time, causing drift. GPS provides accurate position and velocity updates from satellites, which, when fused with the INS data, continually corrects this drift. The result is much higher real-time positioning accuracy and more capable autonomous flight, precise waypoint navigation, and safer operations. The other technologies mentioned serve different roles—IMU is part of the INS, while radar and LiDAR are sensing tools for detection or mapping rather than primary navigation corrections.

GPS added an external, global position reference to INS navigation. INS relies on gyros and accelerometers to estimate motion, but small errors accumulate over time, causing drift. GPS provides accurate position and velocity updates from satellites, which, when fused with the INS data, continually corrects this drift. The result is much higher real-time positioning accuracy and more capable autonomous flight, precise waypoint navigation, and safer operations. The other technologies mentioned serve different roles—IMU is part of the INS, while radar and LiDAR are sensing tools for detection or mapping rather than primary navigation corrections.