Trajectory optimization of a cruise missile using the Gauss Pseudospectral Method

Compared with the conventional optimization approaches, Gauss Pseudospectral Method (GPM) can deal better with optimal problems with complex constraints and is less time consuming. As a numerical technique, GPM transforms the optimal control problem to a nonlinear programming problem (NLP) by using discrete approximation. This paper considers a cruise missile´s mission which is to hit a fixed target while minimizing the exposure to anti-air defenses. The objective function can be set as integrated altitude along the trajectory. The Gpops tool kit is used to demonstrate GPM on this problem. The case study´s results show that the method converges fast and precisely.