Nortronics NAS-14V2 Astroinertial Navigation System

Mounted behind the SR-71’s cockpit, this unit, affectionately known as “R2-D2,” computed navigational fixes using stars sighted through the lens in the top of the unit. These fixes were used to update the inertial navigation system and provided course guidance with an accuracy of at least 90 meters (300 feet). Some current aircraft and missile systems use improved versions as a backup to GPS.

Caption:
The Astroinertial Navigation System provided rapid celestial navigation fixes for the SR-71.
Type: Artifact
Image Date: December 17, 2012
Credit: National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
Origin: National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
Creator: Eric Long
NASM2013-00438
 

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The Astroinertial Navigation System provided rapid celestial navigation fixes for the SR-71.

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The Astroinertial Navigation System provided rapid celestial navigation fixes for the SR-71.

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The Astroinertial Navigation System provided rapid celestial navigation fixes for the SR-71.

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The Astroinertial Navigation System provided rapid celestial navigation fixes for the SR-71.

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The Astroinertial Navigation System provided rapid celestial navigation fixes for the SR-71.