Delivery of Modular Lethality via a Parent-Child Concept

Abstract : Optimal lethal efficiency may be achieved by delivering small modules with desired patterns against complex targets. The focus of this study is reliable production of prescribed impact locations of multiple small flight bodies at low cost. A parent child concept based on reduced feedback and simple control mechanisms is introduced to achieve this goal. Guidance and flight-control algorithms are derived for this concept using flight dynamics and optimization theory. High-fidelity flight models are used to prove the concepts and techniques. Results from simulations coupling multiple bodies in flight demonstrate successful delivery of child bodies to desired locations despite significant nonlinearities and system uncertainties.