Use of minimum-time controllers in vertically-launched surface-to-air missiles
By:  Timothy Brian Mull
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1992
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 69
Description: This thesis develops the concept of minimum-time (Bang-Bang) controllers and their application to missile control. Based on Pontryagin's minimum principle, a minimum-time second order controller is derived. This controller is then applied to control of a vertically-launched surface-to-air missile. In the boost phase of missile flight, the minimum-time controller drives the missile body axis from vertical to a commanded angle in minimum time. In the terminal phase of the missile-target engagement, the minimum time controller drives the time rate of change of the line of sight angle to zero in minimum time. The results obtained with the minimum time controller are compared with those obtained with the proportional navigation control algorithm, which is commonly used in tactical surface-to-air and air-to-air missile.
Notes: Thesis advisor(s): Titus, Harold A.

"June 1992."

Thesis (M.S. in Electrical Engineering)--Naval Postgraduate School, June 1992.

Includes bibliographical references.

Approved for public release; distribution unlimited.