Delayed Decision Guidance in an Integrated Midcourse-Terminal Engagement for Conventional Interceptors

In this paper we develop an integrated midcourse-terminal guidance methodology for a trailing interceptor in a many-on-many intercept scenario. The interceptor acts upon the engagement outcomes of the preceding interceptor group and can dynamically engage one of the evaders at the specified decision time, which separates the scenario in midcourse and terminal phases. We propose a methodology based on reachability analysis and adjoint mathematics tools for selecting an optimal decision (handover) point between the engagement phases. The handover point optimizes the trade-off between the expected miss distance and control effort over all possible allocations. The proposed approach facilitates computationally efficient solution for online operation in a salvo-attack scenario. The methodology is exemplified for minimum-time midcourse trajectories and proportional navigation terminal guidance law.