Differential Game Based Guidance Law for High Angle of Attack Missiles By.pdf

Copyright 1996 by Optimal Synthesis. All Rights Reserved. Differential Game Based Guidance Law for High Angle of Attack Missiles By P. K. Menon and G.B. Chatterji * Optimal Synthesis 450 San Antonio Road, Suite 53 Palo Alto, CA 94303 Abstract A nonlinear differential game theoretic intercept guidance law for short range missiles is derived. Differential geometric transformations are used to convert the nonlinear missile and the target models into a convenient form for the formulation and solution of the guidance problem. Guidance law is then derived using the necessary conditions for optimality. Due to the inclusion of all the significant nonlinearities in the formulation, the guidance law is useful in advanced missiles executing large angle of attack maneuvers. The guidance law performance is illustrated in air-to-surface and air-to-air intercept missions. Introduction Recent aeronautical research has identified high angle of attack maneuverability and direct force capabilities as the keys to future combat aircraft air superiority [1 - 3]. High angle of attack maneuvers involve sustained flight at angles of attack far beyond the conventional stall limits, while direct force capabilities enable aircraft to maneuver at arbitrary fuselage attitudes. The X- 31 program at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center has investigated the development and use of these enhanced fighter maneuverability (EFM) concepts through an ambitious flight test-based program [4]. These developments have major implications on missile technologies. Superior maneuverability of high angle of attack aircraft will demand significantly better agility from tactical missiles. In the air-to-surface missions, missile launch at arbitrary aircraft attitudes will require the missile airframe to be able to maneuver effectively through the high angle of attack regime to ensure successful target intercept. Modern stealth fighters are able to approach targets at close ranges without being detected. This capabili