The Coriolis Effect refers to the apparent force that acts on a moving object due to the Earth’s rotation. This effect must be accounted for in Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) to ensure accurate positioning and navigation.
How the Coriolis Effect Impacts INS
Influences Accelerometer Readings – The Coriolis force introduces errors in acceleration measurements, which can lead to position drift over time.
Affects Long-Distance Navigation – Aircraft, submarines, and missiles traveling over long distances experience deviation from their intended path due to Earth’s rotation.
Requires Compensation in Algorithms – High-precision INS use Coriolis correction algorithms to counteract the effect, ensuring accurate navigation.
How INS Compensates for Coriolis Effect
• Kalman Filtering – Advanced sensor fusion algorithms estimate and correct Coriolis-induced errors.
• High-Precision Gyroscopes – Fiber Optic Gyroscopes (FOG) and Ring Laser Gyroscopes (RLG) detect Coriolis deviations to improve accuracy.
• Regular GNSS Updates – GNSS-aided INS systems use GPS corrections to counter long-term Coriolis drift.
