Hybrid Deep Neural Network for Data-Driven Missile Guidance with Maneuvering Target

Missile guidance, owing to highly complex and non-linear relative movement between the missile and its target, is a challenging problem. This is further aggravated in case of a maneuvering target which changes its own flight path while attempting to escape the incoming missile. In this study, to achieve computationally superior and accurate missile guidance, deep learning is employed to propose a self-tuning technique for a Fractional-Order Proportional Integral Derivative (FOPID) controller of a radar-guided missile chasing an intelligently maneuvering target. A multi-layer two-dimensional architecture is proposed for a deep neural network that combines the prediction feature of recurrent neural networks and estimation feature of feed-forward artificial neural networks. The proposed deep learning based missile guidance scheme is non-intrusive, data-based, and model-free wherein the parameters are optimized on-the-run while predicting the target's maneuvering tactics to correct for processing time and loop delays of the system. Using deep learning for online optimisation with minimal computational burden is the core feature of the proposed technique. Dual-core parallel simulations of missile-target dynamics and the control system were performed to demonstrate superiority of the proposed scheme in feasibility, adaptability, and the ability to effectively minimize the miss-distance in comparison with traditional and neural offline-tuned PID and FOPID based techniques. Compared to state-of-the-art offline-tuned neural control, the miss-distance was reduced by 68.42 % for randomly maneuvering targets. Furthermore, a minimum miss-distance of 0.97 m was achieved for intelligently maneuvering targets for which the state-of-the-art method failed to hit the target. Overall, the proposed technique offers a novel approach for addressing the challenges of missile guidance in a computationally efficient and effective manner.