Endgame performance analysis for NNK interceptors

A statistical technique for analyzing the interception performance of a ballistic missile in an NNK engagement is developed. The method employs analytical tools such as Cramer-Rao lower bound and nonlinear covariance analysis of the engagement kinematics. Subsequently, the technique is applied to a representative scenario. Assuming a specific engagement geometry and guidance law, sensitivity analysis of the miss distance statistics to various system parameters is performed. The parameters considered are sensor accuracy, interceptor response time, interceptor airframe acceleration limits, handover volume, and data rate.