Switched and Symmetric Pursuit/Evasion Games With Online Model Predictive Control

TitleSwitched and Symmetric Pursuit/Evasion Games With Online Model Predictive Control
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2012
AuthorsJ. Eklund, M, Sprinkle, J, S. Sastry, S
JournalIEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology
Volume20
Pagination604-620
Abstract

This paper describes a supervisory controller for pursuit and evasion of two fixed-wing autonomous aircraft. Novel contributions of the work include the real-time use of model- predictive control, specifically nonlinear model predictive tracking control, for predictions of the vehicle under control, as well as predictions for the adversarial aircraft. In addition to this inclusion, the evasive controller is a hybrid system, providing switching criteria to change modes to become a pursuer based on the current and future state of the vehicle under control, and that of the adversarial aircraft. Results of the controller for equally matched platforms in actual flight tests against a US Air Force trained F-15 test pilot are given. Extensive simulation analysis of the symmetric games is provided, including regressive analysis based on initial conditions of height advantage, and relative velocity vectors, and in particular the effect of allowing the evading aircraft to switch modes between "evader" and "pursuer" during the game.

URLhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1109/TCST.2011.2136435
DOI10.1109/TCST.2011.2136435