Pigeon-inspired optimization applied to constrained gliding trajectories

This paper presents the novel use of pigeon-inspired optimization (PIO) to generate the constrained gliding trajectory for hypersonic gliding vehicles. The velocity-dependent bank angle profile is developed in a quite simple formulation in order to reduce the searching space of the trajectory control command. The end-to-end trajectory and maximum-range trajectory are obtained by the enforced PIO algorithm which serves as an effective tool to deal with the typical path constraints and terminal conditions. Further, the forward and backward reversal logic is proposed to construct approximate footprints that can provide a fast decision in the mission deployment for nominal flights and abort situations. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the improved PIO algorithm is feasible and reliable to generate the constrained gliding trajectory for hypersonic gliding vehicles.