A method of trajectory estimation and prediction using extended kalman filter based on GPS data

The prediction of projectile impact point is one of the key technologies in the trajectory correction. Accuracy and computational cost of impact point prediction are the main indicators of the technology. To estimate the trajectory state parameters and compensate errors, a kind of rapid and accurate impact point prediction method is proposed which uses the GPS data and the extended Kalman filter based on the modified point-mass trajectory model. The modified point mass trajectory model includes only the most essential forces and moments, but adds rotation speed which makes it suitable for impact point prediction of spin-stabilized projectile. Typical Monte Carlo simulation results of a long-range trajectory of an indirect fire spin-stabilized round show that this method can remove most of the initial errors and predict the impact point of the projectile accurately.