Multi-objective trajectory optimization for guided surface-to-surface missiles

Guided missiles are a key weapon in modern warfare, where designers aim to enhance their accuracy and lethality. In the conceptual design phase, the problem of missile trajectory tailoring to hit a specified target emerges. Nonetheless, focusing solely on this design goal may cause degradation in other design aspects such as structural integrity and flight control demands. Therefore, it is highly recommended to integrate flight, control, and structural aspects in the early phases of design. This study focuses on the conceptual phase of a guided surface-to-surface tactical missile trajectory toward a set of predefined targets with constraints. A comprehensive analysis is implemented to solve the trajectory optimization problem of a generic tactical missile. Based on a point-mass three-degree-of-freedom flight model, the optimal-control solver GPOPS is employed to solve this trajectory optimization problem. To ensure realistic and visible trajectory problem solutions, several physical constraints are considered, including minimum and maximum allowable dynamic pressure and maximum allowable rate for flight path angle. The control budget needed for each trajectory problem is discussed. Optimal trajectories ensuring maximum impact velocity via free and constrained flights are evaluated. Furthermore, trajectory problems that balance between minimum control budget and maximum lethality are analyzed.