What are the primary components of the Inertial Navigation System (INS)?

Prepare for the FAA Academy Basics Test. Study with multiple choice questions, get hints and explanations for each question. Ensure success with your exam!

The primary components of the Inertial Navigation System (INS) include accelerometers, gyroscopes, a servo system, and a computer.

Accelerometers measure the acceleration forces acting on the aircraft, allowing the system to determine changes in velocity. Gyroscopes help maintain orientation and provide information about angular motion. Together, these two components enable the INS to calculate the position, velocity, and attitude of the aircraft without the need for external references.

The servo system is critical in maintaining the alignment and response of these measurements, ensuring that the system accurately follows the aircraft's movement. The computer processes the data from the accelerometers and gyroscopes to compute the necessary navigational information, making the combination of these elements essential for the functionality of the INS.

Considering the other options, they include components related to navigation but do not reflect the core technology of the INS. For instance, GPS relies on satellite signals for positioning, and neither radar nor traditional flight indicators like a compass or airspeed indicator directly contributes to the inertial navigation capabilities that define an INS.

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