Surveillance of a Faster Fixed-Course Target

TL;DR

This paper develops optimal control laws for an observer vehicle to maximize the surveillance time of a faster target within a fixed range, using Pontryagin's Minimum Principle, with practical scenarios illustrating the approach.

Contribution

It introduces a novel application of optimal control theory to surveillance of faster moving targets, deriving closed-form solutions for the observer's control laws.

Findings

Closed-form optimal control laws derived

Effective approach for contact and observation phases

Scenario analysis demonstrates practical effectiveness

Abstract

The maximum surveillance of a target which is holding course is considered, wherein an observer vehicle aims to maximize the time that a faster target remains within a fixed-range of the observer. This entails two coupled phases: an approach phase and observation phase. In the approach phase, the observer strives to make contact with the faster target, such that in the observation phase, the observer is able to maximize the time where the target remains within range. Using Pontryagin's Minimum Principle, the optimal control laws for the observer are found in closed-form. Example scenarios highlight various aspects of the engagement.