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AviationAir Navigation and Guidance

A Minimum Effort Control Approach to Guided Munition Path Planning

Authors: Jeffrey M. Borkowski; AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
Abstract:
An advance in the development of smart munitions entails autonomously modifying target selection during flight to maximize the value of the target being destroyed. Target identification and classification provides a basis for target value, which is used in conjunction with multi-target tracks to determine an optimal aim point for the munition. A unique guidance law can be constructed that exploits attribute and kinematic data from an onboard video sensor. This thesis develops an innovative path planning algorithm that provides an obstacle avoidance function while navigating the munition toward the highest value target. The foundation of this path planning method is found in the principles of minimum effort control optimization. Results demonstrate the ability of the path planning algorithm to determine a path for the munition to follow which is both stable and feasible.

Limitations: APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
Description: Master's thesis
Pages: 96
Report Date: MAR 2006
Report Number: A311154
Keywords relating to this report:
ALGORITHMS
COLLISION AVOIDANCE
FLIGHT PATHS
INTERCEPT TRAJECTORIES
KALMAN FILTERING
MODIFICATION
MULTIPLE TARGETS
OPTIMIZATION
SELECTION
SMART WEAPONS
STOCHASTIC PROCESSES
TARGET CLASSIFICATION
TARGET DESIGNATORS
TERMINAL GUIDANCE
THESES
THREE DIMENSIONAL
TRACKING
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