Air-to-Air Combat Tactics Synthesis and Analysis Program Based on an Adaptive Maneuvering Logic

Abstract

Abstract Two digital computer programs synthesizing optimal maneuvers in one-on-one air-to-air combat situations are described. The method develops intelligently interactive maneuvers without relying on human pilot experience. One program drives one of the interacting aircraft, thus replacing one of the human pilots on the NASA Langley Research Center's Differential Maneuvering Simulator, this in real time. The other program operates in a normal batch processing mode. Both programs use the same technique which maps the physical situation of the two aircraft into a quantized, abstract situation space. The outcome in this situation space is predicted for several trial maneuvers, a value is associated with the outcome of each trial maneuver, and finally, the maneuver with the highest predicted value is executed. These programs, operating with six degrees of freedom and realistic aerodynamic representation for both aircraft, provide a means for objective evaluation of weapons systems and pilot performance.