Optimal heading change with minimum energy loss for a hypersonic gliding vehicle

Abstract

A three state model is presented for analyzing the problem of optimal changes in heading with minimum energy loss for a hypersonic gliding vehicle. A further model order reduction to a single state model is examined using singular perturbation theory. The optimal solution for the reduced problem defines an optimal altitude profile dependent on the current energy of the vehicle, and the corresponding optimal lift and bank angle. A separate boundary layer analysis, based on an expansion of the necessary conditions about the reduced solution, is used to account for altitude and flight path angle dynamics and to derive a guidance law in feedback form. The guidance law is evaluated for a hypothetical vehicle.