Multiple Method 2-D Trajectory Optimization Satisfying Waypoints and No-Fly Zone Constraints

Abstract

Minimum time to target is one of the primary goals of a global strike mission. The Hypersonic Cruise Vehicle and the Common Aero Vehicle are currently being investigated for mission effectiveness. Additional mission requirements include passage through intermediate waypoints and avoidance of no-fly zones. Thus, a real-time or near real-time autonomous trajectory generation technique is desired to minimize the flight time, satisfy terminal and multiple intermediate state constraints, and remain within specified control limitations. The research herein presents a baseline technique, an analytical geometric trajectory optimization technique, and a dynamic optimization technique. Numerical examples for constant speed trajectories as well as decelerating flight are used to demonstrate and compare the presented techniques. These results show the significant time savings achievable through optimization, the accuracy and computation efficiency of the geometric solution, and the robustness and application of the dynamic optimization technique.