Interceptor Algorithms

The evolution of advanced as well as emerging maneuvering ballistic missiles calls for interceptors with increased agility operating seamlessly between endo, high-endo and exo-atmospheric regimes and blurs the traditional separation between interceptor fly-out and autonomous kill-vehicle end-game. This effort is about the design of an integrated guidance / autopilot and set of associated observers combined with t-delta-V longitudinal guidance algorithms to steer an anti-ballistic missile using novel Higher Order Sliding Mode (HOSM) control techniques. This effort is aimed at integrating guidance / autopilot and observers to minimize maneuver energy. The use of HOSM control techniques addresses the general issue of the robustness of control laws. This unified GN&C design supports a variety of missions with interception in the endo up to exo-atmospheric domains against boosting target as well as re-entry targets. The GN&C architecture allows the use of thrust vector control; aerodynamic lift and KV divert thrust concurrently.