Range and Accuracy Improvement of Artillery Rocket Using Fixed Canards Trajectory Correction Fuze

This paper presents a two-phase guidance and control algorithm to extend the range and improve the impact point accuracy of a 122-mm rocket using a fixed canards trajectory correction fuze. The guidance algorithm consists of a unique glide and correction phase of the rocket trajectory that is activated after the flight’s apex. The glide phase operates in an open-loop configuration where guidance commands are generated to increase the range of the rocket. In contrast, the correction phase operates in a closed-loop configuration where the Impact Point Prediction method based on Modified Projectile Linear Theory is used as a feedback channel to correct the range and drift errors. The proposed fixed canards trajectory correction fuze has a simple and reliable single channel roll-orientation control configuration. The rocket trajectory model consists of a 7-DOF non-linear dynamic model of a dual-spin rocket configuration with a fixed canards correction fuze mounted at the nose. A Monte Carlo simulation of the rocket’s inertial and launch point perturbations show that the fixed canards fuze with the proposed guidance algorithm can double the range of the rocket without changing the rocket motor thrust-time curve. At the same time, the rocket’s accuracy can also be improved beyond the results of an unguided rocket.

Adaptive entry guidance for the Tianwen-1 mission

To meet the requirements of the Tianwen-1 mission, adaptive entry guidance for entry vehicles, with low lift-to-drag ratios, limited control authority, and large initial state bias, was presented. Typically, the entry guidance law is divided into four distinct phases: trim angle-of-attack phase, range control phase, heading alignment phase, and trim-wing deployment phase. In the range control phase, the predictor—corrector guidance algorithm is improved by planning an on-board trajectory based on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) entry guidance algorithm. The nominal trajectory was designed and described using a combination of the downrange value and other states, such as drag acceleration and altitude rate. For a large initial state bias, the nominal downrange value was modified onboard by weighing the landing accuracy, control authority, and parachute deployment altitude. The biggest advantage of this approach is that it allows the successful correction of altitude errors and the avoidance of control saturation. An overview of the optimal trajectory design process, including a discussion of the design of the initial flight path angle, relevant event trigger, and transition conditions between the four phases, was also presented. Finally, telemetry data analysis and post-flight assessment results were used to illustrate the adaptive guidance law, create good conditions for subsequent parachute reduction and power reduction processes, and gauge the success of the mission.

Formation Control of Swarming Vessels Using a Virtual Matrix Approach and ISOT Guidance Algorithm

The formation control for the effective operation of multiple vessels is discussed. First, a virtual matrix approach is proposed to improve the formation robustness and transform performance during swarm operations, which is created based on the virtual leader vessel location, and agents composing the formation follow cells in the matrix to maintain formation. This approach is affected by the virtual leader vessel location. The virtual leader vessel location is defined by two cases: matrix center and geometric center; furthermore, robustness and efficiency comparison simulations are performed. The simulation results show that in most formations, the geometric center is better in terms of efficiency and robustness. Second, the isosceles triangle guidance algorithm is proposed to improve the “go-back behavior” of certain agents during excessive maneuvering. Through a waypoint-following simulation, the algorithm is confirmed to be superior to the line-of-sight guidance algorithm. The swarm simulation on the virtual map verifies the performance of the proposed formation n control and guidance algorithm.

Optimization of aerospace aircraft guidance to the landing area

The article considers a technique for constructing an optimal guidance procedure for an aerospace aircraft. The technique is based on the adaptation of the Pontryagin maximum principle for the considered class of problems. At the same time the guidance accuracy is ensured by solving a boundary value problem, which is periodically performed during the flight. The developed procedure for predicting the final parameters of the optimal flight according to a simplified motion model is presented, which also makes it possible to determine the value of the actual miss. A detailed mathematical description of the proposed technique is given. The feasibility of the proposed technique is ensured by minimizing the amount of computational operations. The guidance algorithm efficiency is illustrated by a numerical example with a flight simulation procedure taking into account all significant factors. The paper also provides examples of solving boundary value problems and the results of modeling the optimal guidance.