Toward a Differential Game Solution to a Practical Two Aircraft Pursuit-Evasion Problem in Three-Dimensional Space

Abstract

A practical two aircraft pursuit-evasion problem in three-dimensional space is posed as a zero sum, perfect information differential game. The purpose of the thesis is to solve this differential game and to obtain optimal or near optimal closed-loop control laws for the two players. Three models of the aircraft dynamics are used. The first model is primarily a realistic one, and as the state equations are non-linear and highly coupled, it is not possible to obtain optimal closed-loop solutions. The second model is a simplified version of the first. Using this model, the solution is carried further - the costate variables are eliminated from the controls - but closed-loop solutions still cannot be found. The third model used has different controls from the other two, but is roughly similar in nature. Optimal closed-loop controls are obtained for this model. The results obtained from these models show that the three-dimensional problem cannot be considered as a simple extension of the two- dimensional game. The necessary inclusion of the bank angle or a similar control introduces an extra order of complexity into the problem.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1971
Accession Number
AD0729777

Entities

People

  • D. Williamson-noble
  • S. Miles

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerial Warfare
  • Air Force
  • Aircraft Models
  • Aircrafts
  • Algorithms
  • Classification
  • Computers
  • Differential Equations
  • Dynamics
  • Engineering
  • Equations
  • Equations Of State
  • Flight Paths
  • Maneuverability
  • Security
  • Two Dimensional
  • United States

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Game Theory.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers