Application of the A* Algorithm to Aircraft Trajectory Generation

Abstract

Work carried out on the development of concepts for an automated trajectory generator for military aircraft is described. The system uses the A* optimization algorithm to design a ground track which represents an optimal tradeoff between a short path and a path over low terrain. This is achieved by minimizing a cost function which is user selectable. This work incorporates path segments consisting of circular arcs, the design of an appropriate cost function and heuristics, as well as the inclusion of threats. Measures taken to improve the computational speed of the system are also described. Some examples of trajectories generated by the system are presented.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1993
Accession Number
ADA268728

Entities

People

  • M. E. Halpern

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Aircrafts
  • Algorithms
  • Altitude
  • C Programming Language
  • Computer Programming
  • Computers
  • Control Systems
  • Department Of Defense
  • Dynamic Programming
  • Elevation
  • Engineering
  • Military Aircraft
  • Optimization
  • Programming Languages
  • Standards
  • Terrain Avoidance

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Applied Combinatorial Optimization and Logic Circuit Design.
  • Robotics and Automation.