Integrated Guidance and Control of Moving-Mass Actuated Kinetic Warheads

Methods for integrated design of guidance and control systems of kinetic warheads utilizing moving-mass actuators are proposed. Moving mass actuation can be used in any speed range, both in the atmosphere as well as outside it, as long as there is a force,either aerodynamic or propulsive, acting on the vehicle. Since they are contained entirely within the airframe geometric envelope, and because no mass expulsion is involved, moving-mass actuation offers several advantages over conventional aerodynamiccontrol surfaces and reaction control systems. Phase I SBIR work developed a high fidelity simulation model of a kinetic warhead with three moving-mass actuators. Both conventional and integrated flight control systems were then designed using this model.Interception of non-maneuvering and weaving targets in both atmospheric and exo-atmospheric conditions were demonstrated. Phase II research will develop the moving-mass actuation concept to the point where prototype development for a specific mission canbe contemplated. Preliminary mechanical designs, actuator sizing, model refinement, integrated guidance-control law designs and flight control code generation for a prototype vehicle will be carried out during the Phase II work. Full-scale development andflight test of a moving-mass actuated kinetic warhead will be undertaken during the Phase III work.