Differential-Turning Optimality Criteria

Circling encounters between aircraft modeled in energy approximation are studied in a differential game setting. Capture is defined in terms of turn-angle and a derived altitude-match require ment. Target sets and their capture subsets are defined and the computation of boundaries discussed and illustrated. A sufficient condition guaranteeing capture of an optimally-evading oppo nent in a turning chase is obtained which involves energy-rate/turn-rate "hodograph figure'* comparison.