Multivariable Autopilot Designs for a Bank-to-Turn Missile

An autopilot design study was conducted for a high-altitude, supersonic air-to-air missile engaging a maneuvering target and requiring banking to achieve maximum acceleration capability. The study was to evaluate performance of robust multivariable designs, as compared to a classical design. The multivariable approach used was the linear quadratic regulator method, slightly modified to schedule certain loop gains. Linearized design models, performance requirements, and design methodologies are presented. Performance on linearized evaluation models is described. A companion paper presents flight simulation results for the autopilot designs.