Distributed time-constrained guidance using nonlinear model predictive control

The paper presents a new time-constrained guidance approach for the multi-missile network by using the nonlinear model predictive control (MPC) technique. The objective is to coordinate the impact time of a group of interceptor missiles against the stationary target. The framework of a distributed MPC scheme is developed. Each missile is assigned its own finite-horizon optimal control problem (FHOCP) and only shares the information with its neighbors. The solutions of the local FHOCP are obtained by using the improved pigeon-inspired optimization method that serves as a convenient tool to deal with the equality and inequality constraints. Further, a safe distance-based penalty term is integrated into the local cost function to achieve no-fly zone avoidance for the multi-missile network. The numerical simulations show that the distributed MPC scheme is effective to implement the cooperative time-constrained guidance with satisfied accuracy of target capture. The Monte Carlo test also demonstrates the robustness of the proposed guidance approach in consideration of the no-fly zone constraint.