Virtual Target Approach for Multi-Evader Intercept

The problem of guiding a pursuer against multiple evaders, one of which is finally engaged by the pursuer, is considered. Contrary to the existing approach of guiding the pursuer before allocation using a complex time-weighted average of individual guidance commands, a simplified virtual target approach is proposed. Prior to the allocation decision at the prescribed decision time, the pursuer is guided using a conventional one-on-one guidance law towards a stationary virtual target with a set of associated terminal constraints. The proposed approach allows realizing a complex engagement using a guidance law with a fixed structure and a scalable algorithm to compute an optimal virtual target.