Realistic Pursuer Evader Engagement with Feedback Linearization Based Nonlinear Guidance Law

Abstract

In this paper realistic Six Degrees of Freedom simulation of a pursuer evader engagement during terminal guidance has been carried out using a class of nonlinear guidance law based on Feedback Linearization. This guidance law has been developed as a regulator problem based on nonlinear control theory where line of sight rate derivative along both yaw and pitch plane are made zero by taking line of sight angle and line of sight rate as output feedback. The line of sight angles and rates have been computed from noisy seeker measurements through a nonlinear state observer. The available seeker measurements are pursuer-evader relative range, relative rage rate, gimbal angles and line of sight rates along yaw and pitch plane in seeker inner gimbal frame. The present guidance law has been validated in presence of realistic non Gaussian and correlated seeker measurement noise, estimator, autopilot lag and highly time varying pursuer velocity during engagement. It is demonstrated through realistic Six Degrees of Freedom pursuer-evader engagement simulation in the presence of above constraints in a practical environment that the proposed guidance law is a viable option for intercepting maneuvering target with high heading error over the well known proportional navigation guidance law. This specific type of guidance law being not available in published literature, is claimed as quiet novel.