Single vs Two-Loop Integrated Guidance Systems

Conventionally, a guidance system is formed of two loops - an autopilot that controls the rigid body with respect to the center of mass, and a guidance law that controls the center of mass toward the target. The present paper discusses the possibility of integrating these two loops into a single loop. In particular, in the class of optimal guidance laws, the absence of a state running cost term, may render some of the physical states out of bound. The presence of an autopilot assures a well behavior.