Technical report | Integrated Navigation, Guidance, and Control of Missile Systems: 3-D Dynamic Model

Abstract 

In this report a 3-D mathematical model for multi-party engagement kinematics is derived suitable for developing, implementing and testing modern missile guidance systems. The model developed here is suitable for both conventional and more advanced optimal intelligent guidance schemes including those that arise out of the differential game theory. This model accommodates changes in vehicle body attitude and other non-linear effects such as limits on lateral acceleration and aerodynamic forces.

Executive Summary

In the past, linear kinematics models have been used for development and analysis of guidance laws for missile/target engagements. These models were developed in fixed axis system under the assumption that the engagement trajectory does not vary significantly from the collision course geometry. While these models take into account autopilot lags and 'soft' acceleration limits, the guidance commands are applied in fixed axis, and ignore the fact that the missile/target attitude may change significantly during engagement. This latter fact is particularly relevant in cases of engagements where the target implements evasive manoeuvres, resulting in large variations of the engagement trajectory from that of the collision course. A linearised model is convenient for deriving guidance laws (in analytical form), however, the study of their performance characteristics still requires a non-linear model that incorporates changes in body attitudes and implements guidance commands in body axis rather than the fixed axis. In this report, a 3-D mathematical model for multi-party engagement kinematics is derived suitable for developing, implementing and testing modern missile guidance systems. The model developed here is suitable for both conventional and more advanced optimal intelligent guidance, particularly those based on the 'game theory' guidance techniques. These models accommodate changes in vehicle body attitude and other non-linear effects, such as, limits on lateral acceleration and aerodynamic forces. The model presented in this report will be found suitable for computer simulation and analysis of multi-party engagements