Advanced Inertial Reference Sphere

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

You have new messages (last change).

The Advanced Inertial Reference Sphere, or AIRS, is a highly accurate inertial guidance system designed for use in the LGM-118A Peacekeeper ICBM and later the Minuteman III.

[edit] Details

AIRS is a fluid stabilized system, as opposed to one using gimbals. It consists of a beryllium sphere floating in fluid. This not only eliminates the problem of gimbal lock, but also makes it extremely accurate, accurate enough so any further improvement would give a negligible benefit to the missile's CEP. However, it is extremely expensive.

[edit] Usage

The AIRS was originally developed for the LGM-118A Peacekeeper. The first AIRS's were manufactured by Northrup. After the US phased out the Peacekeeper in accordance with the START II, it was decided to retrofit the remaining fleet of Minuteman IIIs with AIRS. As a result, 652 additional units were purchased, and built by Rockwell.

[edit] External Links

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org../../../a/d/v/Advanced_Inertial_Reference_Sphere_c343.html"