V3I2P13

Synthesis Study of Air-to-Air Missile Guidance Methods for Long-Range Interception of Separating Targets

Nguyen The Ninh¹, Vuong Anh Trung², Tran Van Tu³, Nguyen Tat Tuan³*

Abstract

The long-range interception of group aerial targets that perform separation maneuvers presents a critical challenge for modern air-to-air missile guidance systems. Sudden target splitting leads to abrupt variations in line-of-sight dynamics, increased target uncertainty, and heightened maneuvering demands on the interceptor. Conventional guidance laws, particularly classical proportional navigation, may experience degraded performance under such conditions. This paper presents a synthesis study of air-to-air missile guidance methods applicable to long-range engagements involving separating targets. Classical proportional navigation-based approaches, augmented and adaptive guidance laws, optimal control-based methods, and intelligent guidance strategies are systematically reviewed and analyzed. Their effectiveness, limitations, and applicability to target separation scenarios are discussed and compared. The study aims to provide a comprehensive reference for the selection, design, and simulation-based evaluation of guidance laws suitable for countering target separation tactics in long-range air-to-air engagements.

Keywords:

Air-to-air missile, separating targets, guidance law OPPN, long-range interception, proportional navigation