A method for field calibration of a gyroscope in an airborne gravimetry inertial stable platform

The calibration of the inertial instruments (accelerometer and gyroscopes) was performed over an inertial laboratory, Sanders Geophysic Limited (SGL) wanted to use the gravimeter gimbal stable platform to calibrate the gyros that needed to be replaced in the field. The replacement necessitates a calibration, in the field, of the new gyro. This thesis discusses the possibility of using the gravimetry platform as a testbed in the field. Three phases were conducted:; Phase I of the thesis consists of describing the gravimeter platform and determining the mechanical error budget.; Phase II describes how to use the platform as a testbed. The gyro is oriented in sixteen different positions and the gyro error terms can be determined easily.; Phase III consists of studying the feasibility of using the platform as a testbed in the field.