Prediction of swerving motion of a dual-spin projectile with lateral pulse jets in atmospheric flight. (Q1609415)

Using the linear theory for a dual-spin projectile in atmospheric flight, closed form expressions are derived for swerving motion under the action of lateral pulse jets. Trajectory results generated by the linear theory and by a fully nonlinear seven degree-of-freedom dual spin projectile model agree favorably. In order to accurately predict the impact point using the analytical solution, the dual-spin projectile linear model must be updated periodically. Terminal impact point prediction degrades rapidly as the linear model update interval is increased beyond a critical value. Control authority (as defined by the change in impact location due to a pulse jet firing) steadily decreases as a function of projectile down range position.