Delayed Decision Guidance Using Virtual Target Approach

The problem of guiding a single pursuer against multiple evaders, one of which is finally engaged by the pursuer, is considered. Contrary to the existing approach of guiding the pursuer before allocation using an average of individual guidance commands, a simplified virtual target approach is proposed. Prior to the allocation decision at the prescribed decision time, the pursuer is guided using a one-on-one guidance law towards a stationary virtual target with a set of associated terminal constraints. Such a treatment of the problem allows to shift the heavy computational load to a more resourceful external platform and implement the advanced guidance solution using a simpler interceptor.