Prediction of swerving motion of a dual-spin projectile with lateral pulse jets in atmospheric flight

Using the linear theory for a dual-spin projectile in atmospheric flight, closed form expressions are obtained for swerving motion under the action of lateral pulse jets. Trajectory results generated by the linear theory equations and a fully nonlinear seven degree-of-freedom dual spin projectile model agree favorably. The analytic solution provides a relatively straightforward and computationally efficient means of trajectory estimation which is useful within smart weapon flight control systems. In order to accurately predict the impact point using the analytic solution, the dual-spin projectile linear model must be updated periodically. Terminal impact point prediction degrades rapidly as the linear model update interval is increased beyond a critical value. Control authority, as defined by the change in impact location due to a pulse jet firing, steadily decreases as a function of projectile down range position. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.