Roll /roll rate control

Missile CP

RoLL autopilot

Reasons to ROLL (a) Airframe misalignments. (b) Asymmetrical loading of the lifting and control surfaces at supersonic speeds. (c) Atmospheric disturbances, if the missile is made to fly close to the sea or ground. (d) Air-launched missiles experience large torque disturbances due to the flowfield in the vicinity of the aircraft and in addition, those due to the aircraft maneuver during release of its missile Roll problems Excessive roll also results in cross coupling of guidance demands and improper implementation due to inherent lag of servos. servo lag coupled with roll rate may result in loss of stability or result in instability. Missiles using homing guidance have seekers which continuously track the target. Sudden roll occurs the orientation may change and target may be lost. Missiles using polarised or unidirectional warheads. Twist and Steer (polar control) requires strict roll position stabilisation.

6 DOF Missile Motion Equations

Rolling Moment as a function of aileron angle Damping Derivative in Roll

Steady state Gain

Aerodynamic Time constant

Actuator Dynamics

Lateral Control

The main objectives of a lateral autopilot are (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Maintenance of near-constant steady state aerodynamic gain Increase weathercock frequency. Increase weathercock damping. Reduce cross-coupling between pitch and yaw motion and Assistance in gathering.