A rapid reentry trajectory planning method for CAV

A rapid reentry trajectory planning method for a common aero vehicle (CAV) subject to all path constraints is developed. The reentry trajectory is divided into initial descent phase and quasi-equilibrium glide phase which possesses a majority of the reentry period. An improved quasi-equilibrium glide condition is utilized to convert reentry corridor constraints to the control variable constraints and get a simple relation between the range-to-go and velocity. Accordingly the longitudinal reference trajectory is computed through the one-parameter search of bank angle model and the corresponding tracking law is designed using linear quadratic regulator theory. To enhance the maneuvering capability, a geometrical control approach considering no-fly zone constraints is applied to the lateral guidance. Finally, the performance of this method is verified by computer simulation.