Extension of the Basic Strapdown INS Algorithms to Solve Polar Navigation Problems

Abstract

The Earth-centered, Earth-fixed (ECEF) frame does not have any specific points in the near-Earth space; therefore, it can be used as the basic one for navigation in the polar regions. The paper considers a new algorithm for calculation of ECEF coordinates. The proposed algorithm is complementary to the basic strapdown INS algorithm, which functions in its normal mode from aircraft takeoff to landing. In the polar regions, the aircraft control law that supports flights on the point-to-point principle is based on calculation of ECEF coordinates.