Optimal and Feedback Path Planning for Cooperative Attack

Abstract

This paper considers cooperative path planning for aerial munitions during the attack phase of a mission against ground targets. It is assumed that sensor information from multiple munitions is available to refine an estimate of the target location. Based on models of the munition dynamics and sensor performance, munition trajectories are designed that enhance the ability to cooperatively estimate the target location. The problem is posed as an optimal control problem using a cost function based on the variances in the target-location estimate. These variances are computed by fusing the individual munition measurements in a weighted least-squares estimate. Solutions to the problem are found using a direct-shooting method. These solutions are compared with trajectories developed by an alternative suboptimal feedback-guidance law. This feedback law produces solutions with far less numerical expense and with a performance very close to the best known solutions. The reduction in target-location uncertainty associated with these trajectories could enable the attack of targets with greater precision using smaller, cheaper munitions.