Generalized estimation and predictive guidance for evasive targets

A generalized and unified target state estimation formulation is presented for accurately estimating the states of an airborne target, which can either be nonmaneuvering or undergoing various maneuvers. A nonlinear predictive zero effort miss-based guidance algorithm is also presented here. Extensive high-fidelity six degrees-of-freedom simulation experiments show that near-zero miss distance (i.e., hit-to-kill level performance) can be obtained when these two new techniques are applied together. Moreover, there is a substantial saving in control energy.