Cooperative Guidance Method for Multiple Loitering Munitions Based on Track Planning

A cooperative guidance method using mid-course guidance trajectory planning is proposed for the long-range precision strike of a small communication-based loitering munition swarm. This method ensures the relative position and states consistency among the loitering munitions before entering a terminal guidance attack. Through the use of a data link for inter-munition communication, coordinated trajectories are planned for each roaming projectile. The consistency in relative position and flight status is improved by employing airspeed control, thereby enhancing the cooperative guidance accuracy. Subsequently, cooperative terminal guidance is achieved by employing an improved proportional navigation law based on segmented guidance. This approach reduces the difficulty of inter-projectile communication while maintaining guidance accuracy, thereby lowering the complexity of terminal guidance laws. Finally, hardware-in-loop simulation and flight tests are conducted for the omnidirectional attack scenario against stationary targets to validate the rationality and effectiveness of this cooperative guidance method.