Which capability can the GPS provide for the INS during flight?

• A. In-flight alignment capability for the INS.
• B. Autonomous flight path planning.
• C. Satellite health monitoring.
• D. Weather data provision.

Answer: (A)

GPS aids the INS by providing an in-flight alignment capability. While the aircraft is airborne, GPS data gives accurate reference information about position and velocity (and the corresponding reference frame) that the INS can use to initialize or re-align its gyros and accelerometers. This helps establish the correct attitude and reduces drift, especially after a fresh start or a reinitialization when the aircraft is moving. In addition, the GPS reference can continue to feed the INS fusion process to keep the inertial solution accurate over time.

The other options describe functions not provided by GPS to the INS: autonomous flight path planning is a separate navigation function, satellite health monitoring and weather data provision are not capabilities used for INS alignment or drift correction.