Generalized Vector Explicit Guidance

This paper proposes and evaluates a new guidance law termed generalized vector explicit guidance (GENEX). This guidance law can simultaneously achieve design specifications on miss distance and final missile-target relative orientation. The latter may be used to enhance the performance of warheads the effectiveness of which is influenced by the terminal encounter geometry. The GENEX guidance law is parameterized in terms of a design coefficient that determines the degree of curvature in the trajectory. Feasibility of GENEX guidance was demonstrated by its application to two weapon scenarios. The first was an air-to-air missile terminal homing scenario. Assuming ideal sensor information and a single-lag missile response model, the guidance was shown to perform well against an air target performing evasive maneuvers. A specified zero-aspect terminal encounter angle was achieved while simultaneously minimizing miss distance. The second application involved an air-to-surface munition released from an unmanned air vehicle. The GENEX guidance law was able to produce trajectories satisfying a terminal impact angle constraint. In addition, an engagement region of sufficient size was shown to be achievable using guidance gains scheduled with target location and weapon release altitude.