Graph-based path decision modeling for hypersonic vehicles with no-fly zone constraints

Abstract

This paper proposes a high-level path decision modeling approach of hypersonic vehicles for no-fly zones avoidance with complex distribution. The current algorithms of trajectory planning and guidance can achieve reliable convergence practically dependent on the initial trajectory. However, in the complex no-fly zones scenario under consideration, it is difficult to guarantee a priori a good initial guess, which requires the vehicle to have high-level decision-making ability to ensure trajectory's global performance. To deal with this, this paper establishes the path decision model and integrates physical level information. The path decision problem is formulated based on graph modeling by formulating new policies and rules. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first to study the path decision problem and model for hypersonic vehicles. The path decision approach is proposed by incorporating low-level waypoint-follow guidance simulation information in the path evaluation. This operation takes hypersonic dynamics into account so that it avoids the evaluation inconsistency between high-level decision and low-level guidance. Numerical simulation results show that this paper effectively realizes the path decision of the hypersonic vehicle for no-fly zones avoidance and improves the global performance of the trajectory.