Optimal Observer Maneuver in Bearings-Only Tracking of Constant Acceleration Target

This paper deals with the optimization of the observer trajectory when an observer tracks a constant acceleration target. First, optimal control theory is applied to establish the optimal maneuver model of an observer. Second, at range accuracy criterion, necessary conditions for optimal observer course are resolved by analytical means. Finally, the influence of observer speed target acceleration and initial target range on the optimal observer maneuver is discussed by simulation. Simulation results show that the optimal observer trajectory is almost smooth when near target moves at small acceleration and the observer should maneuver at high speed when tracking constant acceleration target accurately.