Optimal Turn-Constrained Intercept Strategies from the Target's Turn Circle

Abstract

We examine a two-agent intercept problem in which a Target maintains a fixed orbit about the origin while a mobile Attacker attempts to intercept the Target in minimum time. The Target moves with constant speed and turn-rate, and the Attacker moves with constant speed and bounded turn rate which results in a restricted turning radius. The problem terminates when the Attacker is collocated with the Target. We restrict the set of admissible initial conditions to consider the case where the Attacker starts on the Target's turn circle. The optimal Attacker intercept strategy is developed in terms of multiple characteristic strategies that delay the Attacker's arrival to a point on the Target's turn circle in order to satisfy the intercept constraint.