Robust Alignment Concepts for Precision Guided Weapons

NETFIRES is a very sophisticated future ground launched missile. It is to be deployed in a sometimes unattended pod, and intended to be launched and controlled through AFATDS. While the individual missiles have their own navigation system, it may be desirable to know the orientation and location of the launch condition. These are classic artillery and mortar questions, significantly different from the dynamic transfer alignment problem alluded to in the topic description. The vertical axis is easy using gravity, but unfortunately, azimuth is much more difficult. Our best clues are limited to 1) earth rate 2) earth magnetic field 3) celestial bodies or other landmarks and 4) GPS attitude. In this project we will explore the tradeoffs of each. If there is an opportunity to transfer an azimuth reference from another electronic source, this will also be considered.