Predictive Control Driven Tactical Maneuvering

Beyond Visual Range, Model Predictive Control, Tactical maneuvering, Optimal Control, Flight dynamics

Authentic simulations of tactical combat encounters dedicated to pilot training purposes incorporate both discrete decision making based on expert knowledge as well as continuous time control of the tactical aircraft. Research related to multi-agent simulations typically simplifies underlying agent dynamics focusing solely on optimal decision making process within the tactical scenario. However, in complex combat encounter scenarios, realistic maneuvering capabilities of agents have to be considered in modeling tactical scenarios and studying optimal decision strategies. Considering the above stated, a Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) approach incorporating objectives and constraints relevant to tactical maneuvering is proposed. Considering selected Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat encounter scenarios, we demonstrate that the proposed control mechanism is highly flexible with regard to tactical maneuvers.