The XN-1 was one of the first all-inertial systems that successfully assisted in navigating an aircraft. That is, it used techniques that relied entirely on self-contained devices including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and computers; with no reference to outside information such as radio signals or visual sightings of the ground or stars. Developed by the electromechanical department of North American Aircraft (established as the Autonetics Division in 1955), it demonstrated this capability in a flight of a C-47 aircraft in May, 1950.
Transferred from the United States Air Force.
Country of Origin: United States of America
Dimensions:
3-D Test: 85.1 x 67.3 x 154.9cm (33 1/2 x 26 1/2 x 61 in.)
Materials:
aluminum, steel, brass, copper, Magnesium, Cadmium Plating, Natural Fabric, Phenolic Resin, plastic, nylon, Rubber (Silicone), glass, paint, paper
Physical Description:
Generally cylindrical containner with plastic covered cutaway section that reveals electronics inside.
