Interceptor Missile Guidance Using Visibility-Aware Trajectory Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interceptor missile guidance systems lack robustness in target detection during the midcourse phase, especially when assumptions differ from reality, and do not effectively account for visibility parameters that impact detection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Model Predictive Control (MPC) for guidance, known as Model Predictive Guidance (MPG), which predicts multiple trajectories based on varying control variables and includes a visibility parameter to optimize the approach to the target, ensuring improved detection and tracking capabilities by evaluating and selecting the best trajectory based on quality criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional guidance control methods are used for interceptor missiles, then the guidance system is simpler to implement, but the robustness of target detection deteriorates when assumptions deviate from reality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating multiple possible trajectories and evaluating their quality in advance before actual interception. The Model Predictive Guidance system computes various flight paths with different control variables, assesses their detection quality using visibility parameters, and selects the optimal trajectory beforehand, enabling robust target detection even when assumptions differ from reality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using a dynamic, discrete-time model of the flight control system that continuously adapts to changing conditions. The Model Predictive Guidance system recalculates trajectories and reevaluates quality criteria in real-time, allowing the guidance system to dynamically adjust to varying target behaviors and environmental conditions, thereby improving detection robustness.
2Reliability
If visibility parameters are not incorporated into trajectory evaluation, then the evaluation process is simpler, but target detection efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by incorporating visibility parameters into the trajectory evaluation process. The system evaluates multiple trajectories based on quality criteria that include visibility parameters such as aspect angle, range, and target orientation. By changing the evaluation parameters to include these visibility factors, the system improves target detection efficiency while managing evaluation complexity through systematic assessment methods.
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for guiding a steerable interceptor missile (2) powered by an engine (4) for intercepting a maneuverable aerial target (14) within a midcourse phase of the interception. To increase the robustness of target acquisition, it is proposed that in a planning cycle a) a prediction of a possible trajectory (22) of the interceptor missile (2) to the aerial target (14) is generated using a predictor (38), b) a future approach (24) of the interceptor missile (2) to the aerial target (14) on this trajectory (22) is determined and evaluated (52) using the predictor (38), incorporating a visibility parameter into the evaluation that indicates an aspect of the expected visibility of the aerial target (14) by a seeker (12) of the interceptor missile (2), c) further predictions of possible trajectories (22) of the interceptor missile (2) to the aerial target (14) are calculated by multiple variations (56) of control variables of the interceptor missile (2).wherein the resulting approaches (24) of the interceptor missile (2) to the aerial target (14) are each evaluated (52), and d) based on the evaluations one of the flight paths (22) of the interceptor missile (2) is selected, and a first segment (28) of this flight path (22) is flown and the planning cycle is repeated several times for subsequent segments (28).