Line-of-Sight Rate Estimation Based on UKF for Strapdown Seeker

Aiming at the problem that the strapdown imaging seeker cannot measure line-of-sight (LOS) rate directly, this paper presents an effective algorithm for LOS rate estimation. To address the problem, the reference frames and angles are defined. According to the relative kinematics and attitude relationship between missile and target, the nonlinear state equations and measurement equations of LOS rate are derived, and the estimation algorithm based on unscented Kalman filter (UKF) is proposed. Considering the estimation accuracy mainly depends on body LOS (BLOS) angle accuracy and gyro accuracy, the paper is unprecedented to research how these two factors impact the LOS angle and rate accuracy by simulation. Semiphysical simulation experiment verifies the correctness and accuracy of the algorithm, and the result shows that the estimation algorithm can meet the accuracy and real-time requirements of guidance system simultaneously. Thus LOS rate estimation algorithm based on UKF provides a theoretical basis for engineering applications of strapdown imaging seeker.