Collins Aerospace Secures UK Contract to Innovate Inertial Sensors for Next-Gen Weaponry
Collins Aerospace has secured a multi-million-pound initiative as part of the United Kingdom’s Weapons Sector Research Framework (WSRF) aimed at crafting a navigation-grade Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) designated for upcoming sophisticated weapons platforms.
In collaboration with the Defence Science Technology Laboratory (DSTL), Collins will leverage its renowned expertise to create a tactical-grade or “Class A” IMU utilizing Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology to propel the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) ventures.
“Advanced weaponry of the future necessitates a superior grade of IMU navigation capability that can endure more extreme environments,” stated Stuart Cooper, IMU Value Stream Leader at Collins Aerospace. “Throughout our century-long history in Inertial Systems design, Collins has provided hundreds of thousands of IMUs to both military and civilian sectors. Our imminent multi-year partnership with DSTL will enhance the capabilities available to our global users.”
Employed for guidance and navigation across a diverse array of multi-domain platforms, the new MEMS-based IMU will ensure essential performance while aiming for reduced costs and a more compact form factor compared to existing RLG (Ring Laser Gyro) and FOG (Fibre Optic Gyro) solutions. Acknowledged as the global leader in MEMS technology and the sole UK supplier with verified ability to develop and produce this technology for military use, Collins Aerospace will carry out development work at its Engineering and Manufacturing facility in Plymouth along with its Advanced Technology Team in Bristol.
