Utilization of GPS/MEMS-IMU for measurement of dynamics for range testing of missiles and rockets

Missile and rocket test and evaluation centers currently rely on expensive, and at times inaccurate, radar and/or video tracking equipment to provide position, velocity, attitude, and time information of the missiles/rockets during flight test. Additionally, launch scenarios must be limited to locations where radar/video tracking equipment is able to track the missile/rocket through the entire flight. This paper presents an alternative approach using a small, low cost, integrated GPS receiver and MEMS-IMU embedded in the missile/rocket to provide (via telemeter link) accurate position, velocity, attitude, and time information of the missile/rocket during test flights. An introduction to the problem and the challenges faced in placing a GPS/MEMS-IMU on a small, high g, high roll rate platform is presented. A description of the integrated GPS/MEMS-IMU is presented along with simulated performance results. Finally, the benefits of using the integrated GPS/MEMS-IMU in the test and evaluation environment is discussed