Adaptive Guidance Against Maneuvering Targets for Ballistis Missile Defense

Existing approaches to guidance and estimation for intercept of maneuvering targets are often dependent on assumed models of maneuvering target behavior. We have shown in Phase I that intercept lethality can be dramatically reduced when an interceptor guidance strategy optimized for a specific maneuvering target type encounters a target whose behavior differs from that of the assumed model. We then demonstrated in simulation the ability to augment a baseline combination of guidance and estimation with an adaptive element. Through rapid adaptation, the augmented system performs well against a variety of maneuvering targets. The adaptive approach appears to be especially beneficial when the inceptor does not enjoy a large acceleration advantage over the target. In partnership with Lockheed Martin, the phase II program shall (1) refine the adaptive approach developed in Phase I; (2) provide quantitative demonstration of improved or same Agile Kill Vehicle lethality compared to traditional guidance laws pitted against uncertain maneuvering threats in high fidelity simulation, and do so without dependence on models of target behavior; and (3) provide qualitative demonstration of the potential to further optimize overall system design by achieving a reduction in interceptor acceleration capability required to maintain required interceptor lethality against uncertain maneuvering targets.