What is the primary output of an INS system in determining position?

The primary output of an Inertial Navigation System (INS) in determining position is related to time rather than the other options. INS systems function based on their internal accelerometers and gyroscopes, which measure the inertial forces acting on the system. By integrating these measurements over time, the INS calculates changes in velocity and position.

Time is crucial in this context because the system uses it to keep track of how long it has been moving in a certain direction and at a specific speed. This allows the INS to compute the distance traveled based on the calculated speed over the elapsed time. Other outputs, such as ground speed or distance traveled, depend on the accurate measurement of time.

While ground speed, distance traveled, and magnetic heading are important aspects of navigation, they are derived from the system's calculations rather than being the primary output related directly to position determination. In essence, time is the key factor that enables the INS to produce meaningful positional data by interpreting the inertial measurements correctly.