Navigation Accelerometers: Development Experience

This article provides an overview and comparative analysis of the accelerometer designs developed at Concern CSRI Elektropribor over the past decades. Six types of accelerometers are considered: floated accelerometers with liquid support unloading, “dry” pendulum force-rebalanced accelerometers, accelerometers with contactless (magnetic and electrostatic) suspensions, cryogenic and micromechanical (MEMS) accelerometers. The operating principles, design features, accuracy characteristics, and fields of application are described for each type. The evolution of approaches to reducing the impact of mechanical friction is demonstrated, from hydrostatic unloading to complete elimination of mechanical contact. Special attention is given to promising projects: cryogenic and electro-static accelerometers for space research experiments, as well as modern MEMS sensors for navigation and consumer electronics. A comparison of domestic and foreign counterparts is presented. A conclusion is made on the feasibility of the rational integration of different types of accelerometers, depending on the required accuracy, operating conditions, and cost.