Predictive guidance flight

Abstract

The various technologies presented herein relate to utilizing predictive guidance during one or more phases of a trajectory flown by an interceptor during interception with a target. The trajectory of the interceptor comprises an initial phase, a predictive phase, and a final phase. The initial phase includes the launching of the interceptor and can be unguided. The predictive phase directs the interceptor towards the target, wherein the predictive phase utilizes predictive guidance to control the trajectory of the interceptor based upon a predicted location of the target relative to the current locations of the target and the interceptor. During the predictive phase, a motor(s) can be cycled on and off, causing a period(s) where the interceptor is being propelled by the ignited motor, and a period(s) where the interceptor is propelled by its own momentum after cessation of power from the motor, e.g., unpowered flight.