Finite time max-consensus for simultaneous target interception in switching graph topologies

Abstract: In this paper, we propose a distributed guidance law for the simultaneous interception of a stationary target. For a group of `n' heterogeneous pursuers, the proposed guidance law establishes the necessary conditions on static graphs that ensure simultaneous target interception, regardless of the initial conditions of the pursuers. Building on these results, we also establish the necessary conditions for achieving simultaneous interception in switching graph topologies as well. The major highlight of the work is that the target interception occurs in finite time for both static and switching graph topologies. We demonstrate all of these results through numerical simulations.