UAV Fast Standoff Tracking of a Moving Target Based on a Composite Guidance Law

This paper proposes a composite guidance method for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to approach and circle over a moving target rapidly. Firstly, a novel guidance algorithm based on range and range rate is proposed for standoff tracking a fixed target, and global asymptotic stability is analyzed and demonstrated. Secondly, the novel algorithm is extended to a moving target. Combining it with the improved reference point guidance (IRPG) method proposes a composite guidance method to accomplish fast-tracking and encircling missions for moving targets. Finally, two sets of numerical simulations are conducted to standoff tracking a moving target, and the results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.