Scatterider guidance system for a flying object based on maintenance of minimum distance between the designating laser beam and the longitudinal axis of the flying object

摘要

The scatterider guidance system is mounted on the flying object that is toe guided toward a more direct impact on the selected target. The system utilizes a designating beam of laser pulses that is emitted from the launch pad toward the target and atmospheric particles that scatter the laser pulses to calculate the guidance commands that lead the flying object to follow the laser beam closely. Upon detection by the scatterider sensors of the laser light that is scattered by the atmospheric particles, the perpendicular radial distance between the laser beam and the longitudinal axis of the object in flight is calculated by the onboard guidance electronics and subsequently used to generate the deflection commands. The deflection commands, in turn, are used to deflect aerodynamic control surfaces of the object such that the object approaches and stays close to the laser beam. This guidance system is activated as soon after launch as possible and continues until the object impacts on the target.