The use of multiple interceptors against a single target is an effective way of increasing the chances of success of an intercept. The basic method is salvo shooting, in which each interceptor is independently guided toward hitting the target. With the growth of computers processing power and the developments in communication capabilities of modern interceptors, the alternative approach of using interceptors that cooperate with each other in order to complete the common intercept mission is becoming a more promising and attractive solution. In order to cooperate, the interceptors should communicate. The communication ability among the interceptors is strongly related to the geometric configuration of the engagement, especially if the communication is achieved by the use of unidirectional antennas.
In this seminar we will present three cooperative guidance algorithms for the case where two interceptors pursue a single target, while constraining an additional geometric condition. The geometric condition is to preserve the relative look angle between the interceptors around some constant reference values during the engagement. This kind of geometric condition enables the cooperating interceptors to communicate with each other even with the use of unidirectional antennas.
We will begin the talk with some background and presentation of the guidance problem, followed by a formulation of the guidance problem as a linear quadratic optimal control problem. We will then present its solution considering two situations: when reference values for the relative look angles are given, and when they are free and can be chosen to improve the performance of the guidance law. To summarize the talk, we will present numerical examples, which demonstrate that applying the proposed guidance algorithms, enables to achieve the additional geometric condition without substantially affecting the miss distance and with a reasonable control effort. A comparison between the proposed guidance algorithms will be presented as well.
