Proportional navigation vs an optimally evading, constant-speed target in two dimensions

Abstract : The problem of evading a constant speed proportional navigation pursuer is considered. Both the evader and the pursuer are assumed to have limited lateral acceleration capabilities. A time lag is included in the pursuer's guidance system. The problem of evasion is formulated as an optimal control problem with the performance criterion being the range at the point of closest approach. The type of evasive maneuver is shown to be dependent upon the initial relative positions of the target and pursuer. Typical trajectories for the target and evader are illustrated. (Author)