Effects of Divert‐Thrusters on Homing Performance of Endo‐atmospheric Interceptors

A new guidance law is proposed for interceptor missiles by using a differential game formulation with bounded controls. The interceptor is steered by the aerodynamic‐lift control system and the divert‐thrusters control system. By using game space decomposition, the parameter effects of divert‐thrusters control system on homing performance are investigated. Under propellant limits and given the time constant of the divert‐thrusters control system, the hit‐to‐kill performance requires the following conditions. Firstly, the maximum acceleration generated by the divert‐thrusters control system is greater than a critical value. Secondly, the thrusters close after interception terminates. Thirdly, the operation time of the divert‐thrusters control system is sufficient long to cancel the miss distance. These results are also demonstrated by a realistic ballistic missile‐defense simulation program.