Evaluation and selection of missile's optimal initial launch azimuth under side window detection using a hybrid decision making method

Initial launch azimuth of missile is a key factor that affects the guidance performance, especially for missile with side window seeker. The aim of this study is to select the optimal initial launch azimuth of missile with side window seeker to achieve a high hit rate by using a hybrid multi-attribute decision making (MADM) method. The hybrid decision-making method combines interval numbers and combination weight with Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The specific innovations of the hybrid MADM method includes developing a new method to measure the distance between interval numbers, a new normalization method based on ideal interval for attributes, and a new combination weight method based on attribute importance. It is found that the decision results are robust, have a reliability of up to 90% or even 95%, and the best azimuths of missile can achieve a hit rate as high as 90% or even 100%. This indicates that there is a great possibility of solving the guidance problem of side window detection based on proportional navigation by applying the optimal initial launch azimuth of missile. The optimal results can provide reference for the fire control system.