An alignment algorithm for strapdown inertial navigation systems is proposed, in which the psi angle error model is utilized. The proposed alignment algorithm is derived from the Psi angle error model which has been widely used in real-time navigation systems. The equation for expecting steady state alignment error is also derived. The proposed algorithm was verified through real-time experiments. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can be used in the inertial navigation system and GNSS/INS integrated navigation system to get an initial attitude of the vehicle.