Neural Estimation Approach for Integrated Guidance and Control of Kinematic Missile Interceptor

Kinetic missile interceptors can benefit from an integrated guidance and control law. Even with these benefits, however, variations in the missile dynamics and the ability of a missile to maneuver can still result in failure for this critical mission,even in midcourse interception. ORINCON proposes to develop a control law that employs a novel adaptive estimation routine that improves the internal mathematical model of the missile and trajectory of the target missile. Using the same measurements thatare currently available, this approach will improve the a priori model. This reduces the uncertainty in the control law, which in turn can be used to improve performance in flight and improve the accuracy of the intercepting missile approach to ballisticmissile defense. The control law we propose to use is based on ORINCON's novel Kalman filter development and proven control technology. Improved performance on-line of the control system will clearly benefit the program of the missile defense concept.However, improved control methodology can go well beyond missile systems. Autonomous systems such as UAVs and UUVs could also benefit. Satellites that can reconfigure on-line for variations in performance will save commercial enterprises and thegovernment millions of dollars annually.