Tensor flight dynamics solves flight dynamics problems using Cartesian tensors, which are invariant under coordinate transformations, rather than Gibbs’ vectors, which change under time-varying transformations. Three tensors of rank two play a prominent role and are the subject of this paper: moment of inertia, rotation, and angular velocity tensor. A new theorem is proven governing the shift of reference frames, which is used to derive the angular velocity tensor from the rotation tensor. As applications, the general strap-down INS equations are derived, and the effect of the time-rate-of-change of the moment of inertia tensor on missile dynamics is investigated.
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