What does INS stand for in the context of missile navigation systems?

In the context of missile navigation systems, INS stands for Inertial Navigation System. This system is critical in military applications, particularly for missiles, as it allows for navigation and guidance without the need for external references. An inertial navigation system uses a combination of accelerometers and gyroscopes to track the position, orientation, and velocity of a missile as it travels through space.

By continuously measuring the inertial forces acting on the missile, the system calculates its trajectory and makes adjustments to ensure it stays on course. This capability is essential for precision targeting in maritime warfare, where GPS signals may be unreliable or jammed. The high level of accuracy provided by an INS contributes significantly to the effectiveness of missile systems in various combat scenarios.