UAV Optimal Guidance in Wind Fields Using ZEM/ZEV with Generalized Performance Index

TL;DR

This paper develops an optimal UAV guidance method considering wind effects, using a generalized performance index and ZEM/ZEV approach, with analytical solutions for optimal travel time and validation through simulations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel guidance framework that incorporates wind influence into ZEM/ZEV guidance with a generalized cost function, providing analytical solutions for optimal travel times.

Findings

Analytical expression for optimal travel time derived.

Guidance approach validated through simulation case studies.

Effective in different wind conditions.

Abstract

This paper presents an optimal guidance approach for a UAV navigation between two given points in 3D considering the wind influence. The proposed cost function to be minimized involves the weighting of the travel time and the control energy. An analytical expression is derived for the optimal cost yielding a fourth-order polynomial whose positive real roots correspond to the optimal travel times. The optimization problem is shown to be equivalent to the Zero-Effort-Miss/Zero-Effort-Velocity (ZEM/ZEV) optimal guidance approach for the case of a constant wind acceleration. Case studies for the rendez-vous and the intercept problems are shown through simulation examples for different wind conditions.