Precision missile guidance using radar/video sensor fusion with a communication constraint

We apply recent results in state estimation over limited-capacity communication channels to a precision missile guidance problem. In the situation considered, the missile has a video camera on-board, and receives data from a ground-based radar. A constructive sensor fusion algorithm is presented which allows for very restrictive bit-rate constraints on the data sent from ground station to missile. The circular navigation guidance law is used to guide the missile. There are two forms of this law: one, which requires angular information only, and a more precise version, which requires full state information. Sensor fusion allows us to construct the more accurate version. Simulations were run to compare performance with and without the transmitted data, and their results show strong benefits in the use of sensor fusion.