Accession Number:

ADA370619

Title:

Design of a Ground-Launched Ballistic Missile Interceptor Using a Genetic Algorithm

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

SVERDRUP TECHNOLOGY INC HUNTSVILLE AL

Personal Author(s):

• Anderson, Murray B.
• Burkhalter, John E.
• Jenkins, Rhonald M.

Report Date:

1999-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

11.0

Abstract:

For this preliminary design study an apportioned pareto genetic algorithm, unique to the software package IMPROVECopyright, was used to manipulate a solid rocket design code, an aerodynamic design code, and a three-loop autopilot to produce interceptor designs capable of accurately engaging a high-speedhigh-altitude target. Twenty-nine design variables were required to define the optimization problem, and four primary goals were established to access the performance of the interceptor designs. Design goals included 1 minimize miss distance, 2 minimize intercept time, 3 minimize takeoff weight, and 4 minimize maximum U-loading. In 50 generations the genetic algorithm was able to develop two basic types of external aerodynamic designs that performed nearly the same, with miss distances less than 1.0 foot. The solid rocket motors that propelled these external shapes shared common characteristics such as a large initial burning area and a large combustion chamber volume. Examination of the intercept trajectories shows that standard proportional navigation guidance works adequately. The three-loop autopilot performs well even for high altitude engagements, and the analytic gain determination makes the autopilot straightforward to implement.

Descriptors:

• *ANTIMISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEMS
• *INTERCEPTORS
• *AUTOMATIC PILOTS
• ALGORITHMS
• SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
• GUIDED MISSILE TRAJECTORIES
• COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN
• PERFORMANCE(ENGINEERING)
• HIGH VELOCITY
• HIGH ALTITUDE
• DESIGN CRITERIA
• INTERCEPT TRAJECTORIES
• PROPORTIONAL NAVIGATION
• SOLID PROPELLANT ROCKET ENGINES
• AERODYNAMICS
• MISS DISTANCE
• SURFACE LAUNCHED

Subject Categories:

• Antimissile Defense Systems
• Guided Missile Trajectories, Accuracy and Ballistics
• Air Navigation and Guidance
• Surface-Launched Guided Missiles

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE