VELOCITY AND ALTITUDE ERROR COMPENSATION FOR BALLISTIC MISSILE RANGE CONTROL TO A TARGET.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whether simple cutoff parameters, such as missile velocity and altitude, can be used to accurately predict range to a target. The work was accomplished by using the Six Degree of Freedom (SDF) computer program in a 7094 digital computer. It was found that sq V sub t(r), the product of the total velocity squared and the radius to the missile from the earth's center, is a good cutoff parameter for a nonrotating earth when used in the proper formulae. For a rotating earth, the cutoff parameter becomes V to the n power sub t(r) where V sub t is the total velocity corrected for earth's rotation and gravity variations and n is some power to be determined by trial and error. This cutoff parameter was also tested for velocity and altitude measurements uncorrected for earth's rotation and gravity variation. For the three basic problems mentioned, it was possible to find formulae which could be used to control great circle downrange to within one nautical mile at 4800 NM range. It was concluded that velocity and altitude plus earth's radius can be used as a cutoff parameter to control range at 4800 NM. It is recommended that further studies investigate the effects of pitch programming and azimuth corrections on range control. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0621452
Entities
People
- Lavern D. Beggs
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology