On the predicted errors of atmospheric guidance laws

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel solution for the predicted error and introduces a systematic method to develop optimal and explicit guidance strategies for different missions.

Design/methodology/approach

The predicted error is derived from its basic definition through analytical dynamics. The relations are developed for two classes of systems. First, for systems in which the acceleration commands are truncated at a specified time. Second, for systems in which the corrective maneuvers are cut off at a specified time. The predicted error differential equation is obtained in a way that allows for derivation of several optimal and explicit guidance schemes.

Findings

The effect of tangential acceleration in conjunction with autopilot dynamics can be realized in guidance gain and the predicted error. The differential equation of velocity‐to‐be‐gained is obtained assuming the gravitational acceleration to be given as a vectorial function of time. The relations for different velocity profiles are obtained and discussed including the effective navigation ratio.

Research limitations/implications

The guidance/control system is modeled as a linear time‐varying dynamic and of arbitrary‐order. The gravitational acceleration is assumed as a given vectorial function of time.

Practical implications

The presented schemes are applicable to both midcourse and terminal guidance laws with/without velocity constraints.

Originality/value

Providing a new analytical solution of predicted errors with final position and velocity constraints and their differential equations considering the thrust/drag acceleration and autopilot dynamics in the presence of gravity.

Citation

Jalali‐Naini, S.H. and Pourtakdoust, S.H. (2008), "On the predicted errors of atmospheric guidance laws", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 80 No. 3, pp. 262-273. https://doi.org/10.1108/00022660810873692