Optimal Coasting Time Determination of a Multi-stage Interceptor Considering Engagement Zone

Abstract

This paper proposes a methodology to optimally determine the coasting time of a multi-stage interceptor, considering the engagement zone. Proper coasting time determination is critical for a multi-stage interceptor to extend its engagement boundaries and to engage with a target at a specified engagement point at the estimated impact time. Hence, we first define the optimization problem to determine multiple coasting times for a multi-stage interceptor, considering both radar detection range and potential homing performance. The analytic formulation for the generalized coasting time determination is derived by introducing the ratio of each coasting time over a reference coasting time. With this coasting ratio, the original optimal coasting time determination problem can be simplified to an alternative problem of finding the optimal ratio and the reference coasting time. In addition, by considering the practical implementation, we present the bi-level approach utilizing the solution of the dual problem to solve the alternative problem. Various case studies are carried out to evaluate the proposed method and show its effectiveness and validity.