Differential Games Treated by a Gradient–Restoration Approach

Abstract When When two competitive actors are involved in a flight path optimization, the problem can be modelled as a zero-sum game. This chapter describes a general procedure to convert the two-sided optimization problem into an optimal control problem. In addition, a numerical approach to the solution is proposed. The method is based on the joint application of an evolutionary algorithm (for providing a starting guess) and of the sequential gradient-restoration algorithm (to achieve the final solution). The homicidal chauffeur game – a classical example of zero-sum game – and an orbital pursuit-evasion game are considered to describe the method and test its effectiveness.