Circular Impact-Time Guidance

A guidance concept to impose a desired impact time is presented and investigated. The guidance concept is based on the geometrical principle that constrains the interceptor to follow a circular trajectory to the target. The concept is extended for moving targets, varying interceptor speed, and a constrained field of view of the interceptor. Implementation is demonstrated for a salvo-attack scenario where, by scheduling the launches of the interceptors, not only the desired impact time but also the desired impact angles are enforced. Application of the guidance concept for standoff tracking of stationary and moving targets is also demonstrated. Performance in various scenarios is investigated via nonlinear simulations.