Selection of optimal time-to-go in generalized vector explicit guidance

A new method of selection of time-to-go (t_go) for Generalized Vector Explicit Guidance (GENEX) law have been proposed in this paper. t_go is known to be an important parameter in the control and cost function of GENEX guidance law. In this paper the formulation has been done to find an optimal value of t_go that minimizes the performance cost. Mechanization of GENEX with this optimal t_go reduces the lateral acceleration demand and consequently increases the range of the interceptor. This new formulation of computing t_go comes in closed form and thus it can be implemented onboard. This new formulation is applied in the terminal phase of an surface-to-air interceptor for an angle constrained engagement. Results generated by simulation justify the use of optimal t_go.