Simulating inertial motion using true inertial motion

A system for testing an inertial navigation system of a vehicle, wherein the system comprises:

• a motor configured to rotate a drive shaft about a first axis at an angular velocity selected based at least in part on a first attribute of inertial motion, wherein the inertial motion comprises at least one of angular rotation or acceleration, and wherein the motor is not a component of the vehicle;
• a turntable mechanically coupled to a distal end of the drive shaft, wherein the turntable comprises a planar surface;
• an inertial motion sensor pivotably coupled to the planar surface of the turntable at a radius from the first axis, wherein the inertial motion sensor is in communication with the inertial navigation system of the vehicle, wherein the inertial motion sensor is configured to be positioned in one or more of a plurality of orientations about a second axis, wherein the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the planar surface and substantially parallel to the first axis, and wherein rotating the drive shaft at the angular velocity causes the inertial motion sensor to rotate at the angular velocity;
• and
• a control system having at least one computer processor, wherein the control system is in communication with the motor.

A method comprising:

• removing an inertial motion sensor from a vehicle, wherein the inertial motion sensor remains in communication with an inertial navigation system of the vehicle after being removed from the vehicle;
• coupling the inertial motion sensor to a turntable, wherein the turntable is coupled to a drive shaft of a motor, wherein the turntable is configured to rotate about a first axis defined by the drive shaft of the motor, wherein the inertial motion sensor is configured for repositioning about a second axis parallel to the first axis, wherein the inertial motion sensor remains in communication with the inertial navigation system after being coupled to the turntable;
• identifying a first attribute of inertial motion, wherein the inertial motion comprises at least one of angular rotation or acceleration;
• selecting an angular velocity based at least in part on the first attribute of the inertial motion;
• causing the turntable to rotate at the angular velocity by the motor, wherein the motor is not a component of the vehicle;
• receiving at least a first signal from the inertial motion sensor by the inertial navigation system, wherein at least the first signal indicates at least a second attribute of the inertial motion sensed by the inertial motion sensor;
• and
• in response to receiving at least the first signal,
• determining, based at least in part on the first attribute and the second attribute, whether at least one of the inertial motion sensor or the inertial navigation system is properly functioning.