Advanced Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Algorithm Development to Enhance the Lethality of Interceptors against Maneuvering Targets

A recently developed nonlinear controller(developed by the PI and the project consultant) called the theta-D method is the centerpiece around which an Integrated Guidance and Control scheme and a nonlinear filter technique are built to enhance the lethality of kinetic kill interceptors and offer means to increase the maneuver ratio advantage. Objectives of this proposal include development of a six-degrees of freedom based Integral Guidance and Control scheme that brings the guidance and control objective into one fold. Main concerns of kinetic kill vehicles like maximization of velocity at impact can be treated with variable cost functions that could include guidance and control for minimum drag. A novel nonlinear filter is proposed to be used to improve the accuracy of the target estimates. Various spiraling and weaving target scenarios will be used to evaluate the algorithms proposed to be used