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Old 2nd May 2018, 23:24
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EEngr
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Seattle
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How does the IRS compute the true north by integrting the geographical position with the local vertical?

Something needs to provide a heading input to the IRUs during the align process. Since local vertical can be deduced in a stationary plane (vehicle) and lat/long is available (most likely from GPS), you still need to tell the units which way the airframe is pointing. Most likely from a magnetic compass and a database of magnetic north variation for geographic positions.

Once you are moving, a GPS can calculate your course, but not your exact heading due to crosswinds.
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