Robust gain-scheduling technique for an agile missile subject to mass variation

This paper describes an application of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) to the systematic gain-scheduling design for agile missile autopilot subject to mass variation. Rapid change in the dynamic stability caused by mass variation during boost-phase provides a challenge for the autopilot designer. Application of LMIs incorporated multi-model and gap metric approaches permitted a robust gain-scheduling design to be successfully accomplished. The construction of the gain-scheduled controller is formulated as a linear controller design combined with a set of linear matrix inequalities for pole placement constraints. Simulation results are presented over mass variation in the flight envelope and show that performance of controller is very satisfactory.