Which components provide input to a typical attitude and heading reference system (AHRS)?

The typical attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) relies on inertial sensors and a magnetometer to provide critical data about an aircraft's orientation and heading.

Inertial sensors, which often include accelerometers and gyroscopes, help detect changes in motion and orientation. These sensors measure angular rates and linear accelerations, which allow the AHRS to calculate the aircraft's pitch, roll, and yaw angles, essential for maintaining controlled flight and ensuring accurate navigation.

The magnetometer, on the other hand, serves as a digital compass by measuring the Earth's magnetic field. This data helps determine the aircraft's heading relative to magnetic north, ensuring accurate directional guidance throughout the flight.

While GPS systems provide valuable position data and can assist in navigation, they do not specifically contribute to the traditional functions of an AHRS in measuring attitude and heading. Thus, they do not form part of the core components that define the AHRS’s operation.

The inclusion of these specific inertial sensors and the magnetometer in the solution provided aligns perfectly with the requirements for accurate attitude and heading data, which is critical in instrument flight.