A preliminary analysis of the NRL airborne gravimetry system

Abstract

The Naval Research Laboratory has developed an airborne gravimetry system for marine use. The system utilizes global positioning system navigation and high‐resolution radar altimetry to overcome the major difficulties of Eötvös correction and vertical acceleration determination. Precise measurements of aircraft motions permit system operation in the noisy low‐altitude environment and allow averaging data over fairly short periods. This results in good system response to short‐wavelength gravity anomalies. Preliminary analysis indicates average errors of 4 mGals or less on three aircraft profiles over a gravity equipment evaluation range for a flight altitude of 150 m and air speed of 400 km/hr.