Control of terminal engagement geometry using generalized vector explicit guidance

This paper evaluates a new guidance law termed generalized vector explicit guidance (GENEX). This guidance law has the ability to simultaneously achieve design specifications on miss distance and final missile-target relative orientation. The latter specification may be used to enhance the performance of warheads whose effectiveness is influenced by the terminal encounter geometry. The GENEX guidance law is parameterized in terms of a design coefficient n which is specified by the user and which determines the degree of curvature (and hence control usage) in the trajectory. Feasibility of the GENEX guidance law was demonstrated by its application to a missile terminal homing scenario. Under conditions of ideal sensor information, and assuming a simplified single-lag missile response model, the guidance was shown to perform well against an air target performing evasive maneuvers. The specified zero aspect terminal encounter angle was achieved while simultaneously minimizing the miss distance.