Inscribed angle guidance

A planar three-point trajectory shaping guidance law against stationary targets was developed based upon the principle of constant inscribed angles in a circle. This new guidance concept enables imposing a required impact angle by traversing specific circular paths. The guidance law was implemented using a simple controller obtained from linearization around the required nominal circular trajectory. Implementation of the guidance law requires simply measuring only the inscribed angle. Kinematic trajectories for constant inscribed angle are obtained for moving targets. Linear and non-linear dynamic models were compared through simulation, and results are shown for various scenarios of applied desired impact angles. Application of the proposed strategy can enhance penetration capabilities, reduce a missile's warhead size, and reduce collateral damage.