Terminal guidance algorithms of missiles maneuvering in the vertical plane

Abstract

This paper presents real-time onboard terminal guidance algorithms of anti-tank and anti-ship missiles with constrained flight path angle at impact. Presupposing that targets are stationary or slowly moving compared with the missile, missile motion is described by a point mass second order kinematic equations in the vertical plane. The linear dynamic model is followed by application of linear quadratic optimization techniques considering soft and hard terminal boundary conditions. Two performance indices are considered; One consists of terminal miss distance and control efforts along the whole range, the other terminal miss distance and a linear combinations of overall control efforts and flight heights. Generally, the former gives rise to Pop-up/Dive height profile, the latter so-called Vertical Bunt height profile showing in the final stage of missile's trajectory a sharp rise followed by sharp fell to the target. Exploiting acceleration command profile obtained from a closed form solution, minimum range to begin the terminal guidance mode has been calculated. To substantiate our conclusion, results of the 6-D.O.F. simulation have been illustrated.