Generalized Time-Optimal Impact-Angle-Constrained Interception of Moving Targets

摘要

A guidance strategy for achieving the earliest interception of a moving target at the desired impact angle is developed. The core of the scheme is a guidance method based on Dubins paths, which provides optimal lateral interception against a moving target. The concept of an equivalent virtual target is introduced to solve the problem of impact at a general angle. Equivalent engagement scenarios were proved to have a common optimal path. An algorithm is developed to obtain the optimal path and the interception point. A simulation example showing impact at various terminal angles is presented. The algorithm is capable of obtaining the minimum time interception point from the knowledge of initial engagement geometry and target speed. This method also finds its application in obtaining the earliest interception time that can be used as a lower bound on the initial value for the iterative time-to-go estimation algorithms. A possible future work is to evaluate the performance of the algorithm with realistic autopilot lag.