Evaluating the Feasibility of Chaos-Based Guidance Systems in Swarm Projectiles

This study investigates the feasibility and performance implications of chaotic trajectory tracking for guided projectiles using PID controllers under realistic environmental disturbances. Specifically, Lorenz, Sprott-A, and Halvorsen chaotic systems were used as reference trajectories in a three-dimensional projectile framework incorporating wind perturbations and actuator dynamics. The methodology involved simulating projectile dynamics with gimbal angle feedback to compute pitch and yaw variations, angular velocities, and torque-based control effort. Simulation results revealed that all three chaotic trajectories were trackable using PID control. Among them, the Sprott-A system demonstrated the most favorable profile for energy-constrained applications, requiring the least control effort (198.43 Nm·s) and angular change (4805.74°), along with the lowest energy consumption (18.24 kJ). In contrast, the Halvorsen system exhibited the highest torque demand (122696.79 Nm) and angular variability (31246.31°), making it less suitable for systems with limited actuation capability. Lorenz presented intermediate performance in all metrics. The results confirm that chaotic references can enhance evasiveness while remaining within mechanical and energetic constraints. These findings support the integration of chaos-informed trajectory planning into autonomous swarm projectile systems.