Autopilot design for a bank-to-turn missile using the inverse nyquist array method

This paper presents an application of the inverse Nyquist array(INA) technique to autopilot design of a highly maneuverable Bank-to-Turn(BTT) missile with sever cross-coupling that is proportional to roll rate between the pitch and yaw axes. First, the pitch and yaw channels are analysed and the interactions are decreased with a constant pre-compensator matrix designed by the INA method. A main-controller and a feedback gain matrix are then designed for the approximately decoupled system to meet the desired dynamic performance and stable accuracy. Finally, the performance of the autopilot designed is evaluated in a non-linear simulation with crucial excitations. The results demonstrate that, for the compensated system, the cross-coupling is obviously decreased. Excellent performance in terms of good command following properties and small sideslip is obtained. The physical concept of design method is clear and the designed controllers are easy for physical realization.