An approximate solution of a variable-speed interception game in vertical plane and the accuracy evaluation

As a nonlinear two-player zero-sum perfect information differential game, the variable-speed minimum-time interception between a missile and an aircraft in vertical plane is analysed in this paper. A suboptimal solution in feedback form is obtained approximately by the technique of forced singular perturbation (FSPT). The accuracy of suboptimal feedback control strategies is evaluated by the "method of bounds". An illustrative example with the realistic aerodynamic and propulsion data shows the validity of the FSPT approximation for a medium-range interception.