Range Prediction and Trajectory Correction of Long Range Rocket with Attitude Stabilization

Abstract

The dispersion of long range rocket is significantly suppressed by the attitude stabilization in the boost phase. However, the attitude stabilization system cannot govern the propellant impulse error and mass error, which induces large dispersion in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct range correction in the post-boost phase of flight trajectory. A range prediction method based on the elliptic ballistic theory is proposed in this paper. Elliptic ballistic equations and range estimation equations are derived and the modified range prediction method with correction factor is presented. It is verified that the proposed method can predict the residual flight range accurately. After that, the lateral pulse jets control is presented and utilized to correct the trajectory and eliminate the range error. A unique control law is reported that combines elliptic ballistic theory and control mode for lateral pulse jets. The impact point is directly controlled and rocket dispersion in the longitudinal direction is efficiently reduced.