Three-Dimensional Nonlinear Cooperative Salvo Using Event-Triggered Strategy

This work proposes two different three-dimensional (3D) cooperative guidance strategies for a group of interceptors aiming a simultaneous interception of a stationary target. The guidance commands for many-to-one engagement scenario are derived considering nonlinear engagement kinematics and an improved time-to-go estimate that takes the interceptors’ heading errors into account. A resource allocation technique is used, which provides flexibility in apportioning the required lateral acceleration in the pitch and the yaw planes. The proposed strategies use the notions of sliding mode control, which is known for its finite-time convergence and better disturbance rejection capabilities. With the proposed techniques, and under various interaction topologies, the multi-interceptor group is able to simultaneously intercept the target, both at an impact time specified in advance as well as when the impact time is decided during engagement itself. The control is executed in an event-triggered fashion, thereby reducing the resource utilization burden while guaranteeing satisfactory closed-loop performance of the guidance strategies. Finally, various engagement scenarios have been considered in simulations to support the theoretical claims.