Design of a stand alone navigation system using position estimation algorithm

Applying low-cost sensors for the navigation of aircraft is an extremely challenging area. This paper presents an approach using dead reckoning by which aircrafts present position may be calculated from the knowledge of initial position and measurements of speed and acceleration. The main aim over here is to provide navigation information to the pilot on a cockpit display unit by using a standalone attitude and heading reference system and position estimation algorithm. This is helpful in navigation when GPS is non-operational or GPS drops out. The navigation loop provides continuous and reliable navigation solutions to the guidance and flight control loop for the flight. The whole navigation algorithm shall be implemented within an embedded display system that receives attitude information. This approach is also applicable for unmanned aerial vehicle and self-guided-rockets, where additional air-data and engine thrust data can be used for additional guidance and flight control.