Ducommun Inc., Carson, Calif., said its Miltec Corp. subsidiary was issued a United States patent for an inertial/magnetic measurement (IMU) device for missiles. The technology was described as enabling development of remote target location systems with accuracies and robustness beyond that of conventional digital compassing systems.
 
The Miltec IMU utilizes magnetometers to very accurately determine pitch, roll and heading, while using commercial off-the-shelf microelectromechanical (MEMS) gyros. It will be part of Miltec’s Mini3x product line, applicable for small satellites, unmanned ground and air vehicles and missiles.

“The ability to develop specialized design engineered components and subsystems for missile defense was one of the capabilities Ducommun hoped to develop through the Miltec acquisition,” said Joseph C. Berenato, Ducommun chairman and CEO. “This patent for the IMU demonstrates that we are beginning to deliver on that promise. This movement toward design engineered product and services is a strategic goal of Ducommun.”