Head Pursuit Variable Structure Guidance Law for Three-dimensional Space Interception

Abstract This article aims to develop a head pursuit (HP) guidance law for three-dimensional hypervelocity interception, so that the effect of the perturbation induced by seeker detection can be reduced. On the basis of a novel HP three-dimensional guidance model, a nonlinear variable structure guidance law is presented by using Lyapunov stability theory. The guidance law positions the interceptor ahead of the target on its flight trajectory, and the speed of the interceptor is required to be lower than that of the target. A numerical example of maneuvering ballistic target interception verifies the rightness of the guidance model and the effectiveness of the proposed method.