Optimal 'no-escape' firing envelopes of guided missiles

Firing envelopes computed against straight flying or constant maneuver targets don't provide a suitable measure of missile effectiveness against an optimally behaving aircraft. The present paper discusses the concept of 'no-escape' firing envelope and outlines an appropriate scheme for its computation. The computation of 'no-escape' firing envelopes is based on a zero-sum differential game formulation. The game solution yields optimal missile energy management and guidance laws, as well as an optimal aircraft maneuver strategy. Feedback approximation of the optimal control strategies provides the potential for on-line computation of 'no-escape' firing envelopes, which can be an important element in tactical decision making in future air combat.