Optimal multiple-arc trajectories for an all-aspect air-to-air missile
Abstract
A three-phase algorithm of steepest descent is developed to investigate the nature of optimal turning strategies in the all-aspect air to air missile. The missile is aimed in approximately the correct direction for interception. The burnout velocity of the missile is maximized with burnout velocity angle constrained to the proper direction for interception. The terminal line of sight angle rate is minimized subject to a constraint on terminal closing range. The algorithm is tested in missile engagements for which optimal behavior is known. Optimal burnout velocity is typically obtained within 5% in 15 total iterations of the algorithm. During trajectory angle optimization, accuracies typical of miss distances less then 100 feet are obtained for all engagements. Several missile-target engagements are examined.
- Publication:
-
Ph.D. Thesis
- Pub Date:
- 1976
- Bibcode:
- 1976PhDT........63L
- Keywords:
-
- Air To Air Missiles;
- Dynamic Control;
- Missile Trajectories;
- Trajectory Optimization;
- Bolza Problems;
- Burnout;
- Missile Control;
- Optimal Control;
- Steepest Descent Method;
- Target Acquisition;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles