Question

What is the purpose of a gyro in an inertial navigation system?

(a) Space-stabilize the accelerometer

(b) Angle of rotation

(c) Measure rotation rate

(d) Calculate velocity

I had been asked this question during an internship interview.

Origin of the question is Gyroscopes in section Satellite Radio Navigation  & Inertial Navigation of Avionics

Answer 1

Right answer is (a) Space-stabilize the accelerometer

The explanation is: The purpose of gyroscope or gyro in an inertial navigation system is to space stabilize the accelerometers. In gimballed platforms, the gyros measure the rotation of the platform, which is angularly isolated from the vehicle’s motion.