Systems and methods for guiding an object may comprise improved guidance
laws that improve the effectiveness of the PRONAV guidance law. The
improved guidance laws may utilize the same parameters as the PRONAV law
and may be algorithmically simpler than conventional guidance laws
because they may not be based on information about an intercept point or
time-to-go. The improved guidance laws may be developed based on the
Lyapunov method. The improved guidance laws may augment the PRONAV law
and may provide additional components based on the negative definiteness
of the derivative of the Lyapunov function. The additional components may
be determined based on the partial stability of the guidance system
dynamics under consideration with respect to the line of sight
derivative. A comparative analysis of the improved guidance laws with the
PRONAV laws, for example, may show that the improved guidance laws
guarantee shorter homing time requirements and larger capture areas. The
object may comprise a tactical or strategic weapon, including, for
example, a guided missile.