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ComputersComputer Programming and Software

Hit-to-Kill Guidance Algorithm for the Interception of Ballistic Missiles During the Boost Phase

Authors: IV Lukacas John A.; NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA
Abstract:
A near-optimal guidance law has been developed using the direct method of calculus of variations that maximizes the kinetic energy transfer from a surface-launched missile upon interception to a ballistic missile target during the boost phase of flight. Mathematical models of a North Korean Taep'o-dong II (TD-2) medium-range ballistic missile and a Raytheon Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) interceptor are used to demonstrate the guidance law's performance. This law will utilize the SM-6 s onboard computer and active radar sensors to independently predict an intercept point, solve the two-point boundary value problem, and determine a near-optimal flight path to that point. Determining a truly optimal flight path would require significant computing power and time, while a near-optimal flight path can be calculated onboard the interceptor and updated in real time without significant changes to the interceptor s hardware. That near-optimal guidance path is then converted into a set of command functions and fed back into the control computer of the interceptor. By modifying the second and third derivatives of the two-point boundary value problem, the intercept conditions can be varied to study their effects upon the optimal flight path regarding the maximization of kinetic energy upon impact.

Limitations: APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
Description: Master's thesis
Pages: 157
Report Date: JUN 2006
Report Number: A665754
Keywords relating to this report:
*COMPUTATIONS
*GUIDED MISSILE TARGETS
*KILL MECHANISMS
*SURFACE LAUNCHED
*SURFACE TO SURFACE MISSILES
ALGORITHMS
BOOST PHASE
BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEMS
CALCULUS
CONTROL
ENERGY TRANSFER
FLIGHT PATHS
FUNCTIONS
GUIDANCE
INTERCEPTION
INTERCEPTORS
KINETIC ENERGY
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
OPTIMIZATION
PATHS
RADAR RECEIVERS
REAL TIME
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