The XN-2 was one of the first operational stellar-inertial systems that successfully assisted in navigating an aircraft. It combined the inertial systems of the Autonetics XN-1 (see 1963-0369, NASM 1382), with a device that acquired one or more stars during flight. The combination gave a system that could continue to operate during low-altitude or other phases of a flight, when the stars were obscured by clouds or the sun, but with much greater accuracy than all-inertial systems, since the stellar fix could correct for the inevitable drift that occurred in the inertial system's gyros. The XN-2 was built by an operation of North American Aircraft (established as the Autonetics Division in 1955), and installed on a YC-97 airplane. On April 10, 1952 it successfully assisted with the navigation of a flight.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
INSTRUMENTS-Navigational
Manufacturer
North American Aircraft Company
Dimensions
3-D: 109.2 × 96.5cm (43 × 38 in.)
Storage (Aluminum pallet and frame with fabric dust cover): 121.9 × 121.9 × 152.4cm, 318.4kg (48 × 48 × 60 in., 702lb.)
Materials
HAZMAT: Cadmium Plating, Magnesium
Aluminum, Steel, Stainless Steel, Paint, Acrylic (Plexiglas), Epoxy, Nylon, Plastic, Wood, Glass, Paper, Rubber (Silicone), Synthetic Fabric
Inventory Number
A19630370000
Credit Line
Transferred from the United States Air Force.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
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