Abstract: The 6-degrees of freedom trajectory equations for rocket projectiles are established, and a new real-time impact point prediction (IPP) approach is proposed based on perturbation theory. Assuming that the rocket projectile flies along the nominal trajectory without disturbance, the detailed calculation process of the dispersion in impact point is presented. The prediction coefficient is calculated using a fire control computer on the ground, and IPP is carried out using the rocket-borne computer during flight. As a result, the IPP process is simplified. Finally, the simulation and flight tests of 122 mm rockets is accomplished. The results show that its prediction precision is higher under any condition. At the same time, the results demonstrate that the time consumed to predict the impact point is about 167 ns, which is much less than the control cycle time of 2 ms.

Key words: ordnance science and technology, rocket projectile, trajectory correction munition, real-time impact point prediction, perturbation theory, trajectory simulation experiment