Question

What the gyro act as in a strapdown system?

(a) Angular rate sensors

(b) Null sensors

(c) Angle indicators

(d) Orientation indicators

I got this question during an internship interview.

My question is based upon Strap Down and Gimballed Inertial Navigation Systems topic in section Satellite Radio Navigation  & Inertial Navigation of Avionics

Answer 1

The correct option is (a) Angular rate sensors

Easy explanation: In a strapdown system, the gyros do not act as null sensors as in a gimballed system but act as inertial angular rate sensors. Angle and orientation are computed from the measured angular rates by the algorithms that calculate heading and orientation.