Honeywell International Inc.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL ATTITUDE DETERMINATION SYSTEM WITH MULTI-FACETED INTEGRITY SOLUTION

Abstract:

A method of determining three-dimensional attitude is provided. The method includes measuring a carrier phase of each satellite signal received at plurality of spaced antenna. A carrier phase difference between the measured carrier phase for each satellite signal from each satellite received at each antenna is determined. The integrity of the integer ambiguity resolution relating to the carrier phase difference is assured by applying a least-square-error solution using differential carrier phase measurements with applied integer ambiguities between at least two of the plurality of antennas and observing measurement residuals after the least-square-error solution is computed and applying an instantaneous test, an interval test and a solution separation function. Three-dimensional attitude is determined from the carrier phase differences upon completion of the integer ambiguity resolution and the assurance of integrity of the integer ambiguity resolution.