Honeywell uses DARPA funding to develop more capable IMUs
Micro-electromechanical technology enables higher-performance inertial measurement without adding to size and weight burden, says Honeywell.
Honeywell is using funding from DARPA to create new-generation inertial sensor technology for commercial and defence applications.
Research has shown the new sensors to be greater than 50 times more accurate than the Honeywell HG1930 tactical-grade inertial measurement unit (IMU) product, the company noted in a 25 January announcement.
The research is funded under the Precise Robust Inertial Guidance for Munitions: Thermally Stabilized Inertial Guidance for Munitions (PRIGM TIGM) programme from DARPA.
Various types of IMUs are on the market, some of them using the same kind of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) precision measurement technology as the new units under development.
‘Typically, MEMS inertial sensors have been on the lower end of the performance scale, but this latest milestone shows we are changing that paradigm’ without significant changes to size and weight of the IMU, said Jenni Strabley, director of offering management for inertial sensors at Honeywell Aerospace.
She added: ‘This is a game-changer for the navigation industry, where customers need highly accurate solutions but cannot afford to compromise on weight or size.’
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
-
![Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft]()
Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft
US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
-
![OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”]()
OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”
Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.
