At HD Air Studio, we recently developed a customized 3-axis gimbal for SMG Gravity (Silicon Microgravity Ltd), designed to support its high-precision mobile gravity measurement system. Our gimbal plays a critical role in maintaining the sensor’s alignment with true vertical, helping ensure accurate gravity measurements when the system is in motion. HD Air Studio gimbal is engineered to support demanding operating conditions across ground, airborne, and marine platforms. We’re very proud to be a part of this innovative project, helping to make high-precision gravity measurement possible in dynamic environments.
Gimbal engineering for extreme precision
SMG Gravity approached us with an ambitious idea of creating a custom gimbal incorporated into their mobile gravity system that aims to measure gravity with an accuracy of 0.1 mGal and 100m spatial resolution – improving the today’s standard for mobile gravimetry.
“The gimbal keeps the sensor aligned with true vertical as the platform moves, so that tilt in the system is compensated for to the accuracy we need. HD Air Studio’s expertise and gimbals are an important part of how we are achieving that.” –
– Luke Withey – Product Manager Mobile Gravity
In gravity measurement, even the smallest deviation from true vertical can significantly affect accuracy. To put this into perspective, a tilt of just 0.026° can introduce an error of 0.1 mGal – equivalent to the target measurement accuracy of SMG Gravity’s system.
For HD Air Studio, this presented a demanding engineering challenge: developing a customized 3-axis stabilization solution capable of maintaining precise sensor alignment in dynamic operating conditions. Unlike static applications, measurements taken from moving platforms introduce additional complexity, as horizontal accelerations can interfere with vertical gravity readings.
Key requirements that SMG defined for HD Air Studio gimbal include:
- Accurate pointing and stabilization: keeping the sensor vertical during platform movement.
- Dynamic response: reacting quickly enough to compensate for pitch and roll.
- Low-noise operation: minimizing vibration and unwanted disturbances that could affect the gravity signal.
- Compact and lightweight design: supporting integration across different types of mobile platforms.
- Low power consumption: meeting the requirements of a system intended for use on the ground, in the air and at sea.
Balancing these requirements is essential for collecting meaningful gravity measurements outside conventional static measurement environments.
Collaboration focused on precision
SMG Gravity’s GAIA mobile dynamic gravimetry system is currently in development, with the gimbal being integrated into SMG Gravity’s prototypes. Initial performance has met expectations, allowing the team to begin trials and collect actionable data.
“Just as valuable has been the support from the HD Air Studio team, who have been responsive and flexible in adapting the system to our payload. We look forward to continuing to work with them as we move into further validation.” – Luke Withey – Product Manager Mobile Gravity