Author(s)

M.C. Selvestrel & S. Goss

Abstract

Optimal trajectories for aircraft using state space search M.C. Selvestrel & S. Goss DSTO - Aeronautical Research Laboratory, Air Operations Division, 506 Lorimer Street, Fishermens Bend, Victoria 3207, Australia ABSTRACT This paper presents a method for generating optimal flight paths across defended terrain. The terrain is described by a digital map specifying the elevation in each grid cell Threats are evaluated from line of sight calculations and the range to the threat The path of the vehicle is constrained by the physics of motion of the vehicle. The costs associated with the vehicle's motion are expressed by a multi- objective cost function that balances conflicting objectives. The solution procedure considers both hard obstacles such as the ground which cannot be passed through, and soft obstacles such as threats which can be passed through at increased cost. The problem was formulated using a state-space representation in which changing state, by moving the vehicle, corr

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