ADIRU Flashcards
Air Data
Information regarding the aircraft’s airspeed, altitude, and other atmospheric conditions.
Inertial Reference
Utilizes inertial sensors (gyroscopes and accelerometers) to determine the aircraft’s position, velocity, and attitude.
Attitude Reference
Provides information on the aircraft’s orientation in three-dimensional space (pitch, roll, and yaw).
Accelerometers
Instruments that measure the aircraft’s acceleration, used to calculate changes in velocity and position.
Gyroscopes
Devices that measure the aircraft’s angular rate of rotation, providing data for attitude determination and stabilization.
Pitot Tube
A device that measures the aircraft’s airspeed by sensing the difference between static and dynamic air pressure.
Total Air Temperature (TAT) Probe
Measures the temperature of the air entering the aircraft, used to correct airspeed readings for variations in air density.
Static Pressure Port
Openings on the aircraft’s surface that measure static air pressure, used in conjunction with the pitot tube to calculate airspeed and altitude.
Altitude Heading Reference System (AHRS)
Integrates data from the inertial sensors to provide accurate attitude and heading information.
Air Data Module (ADM)
Collects, processes, and formats air data information for use by other aircraft systems.
Kalman Filter
A mathematical algorithm used to estimate the aircraft’s state (position, velocity, and attitude) based on sensor measurements while minimizing errors.
Data Fusion
The process of combining information from multiple sensors to improve accuracy and reliability.
Redundancy
ADIRUs often feature redundant systems to ensure continued operation in the event of sensor failure or other malfunctions.
Self-Alignment
The ADIRU can automatically align itself with the Earth’s reference frame using internal algorithms and sensor data.
Inertial Navigation System (INS)
A subsystem of the ADIRU that utilizes inertial sensors to track the aircraft’s position and velocity relative to an initial starting point.
Air Data Computer (ADC)
Computes air data parameters such as airspeed, altitude, and mach number based on inputs from the air data sensors.
Health Monitoring
Continuous monitoring of ADIRU performance to detect faults or anomalies and initiate appropriate corrective actions.
Calibration
Regular calibration of sensors and system components to maintain accuracy and reliability over time.
Built-In Test Equipment (BITE)
Diagnostic features within the ADIRU that perform self-tests and diagnostic checks to ensure proper functioning.
Navigation Accuracy
The degree to which the ADIRU provides accurate position, velocity, and attitude information, crucial for safe and precise navigation.
Heading Reference
The aircraft’s directional orientation relative to a reference point, typically the Earth’s magnetic north or true north.
Rate Sensor
A type of sensor used in ADIRUs to measure the rate of change of specific parameters, such as angular rate (gyroscopes) or linear acceleration (accelerometers).
Navigation Mode
Different operating modes of the ADIRU, including inertial navigation, GPS-aided navigation, and air data computation.
Aircraft Dynamics
The study of how the aircraft’s motion and behavior are influenced by external forces such as aerodynamics, gravity, and control inputs.
Sensor Fusion
The process of integrating data from various sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, GPS receivers, and air data sensors, to improve overall system performance and reliability.
Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS)
A subsystem of the ADIRU that provides accurate attitude (pitch, roll, and yaw) and heading information using inertial sensors.
Mach Number
A dimensionless quantity representing the ratio of the aircraft’s speed to the speed of sound in the surrounding medium, crucial for high-speed flight operations.
Attitude Indicator
A display instrument that visually represents the aircraft’s attitude (pitch and roll) based on data provided by the ADIRU’s attitude sensors.