Leader trajectory planning method considering constraints of formation controller

To ensure safe flight of multiple fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) formation, considering trajectory planning and formation control together, a leader trajectory planning method based on the sparse A∗ algorithm is introduced. Firstly, a formation controller based on prescribed performance theory is designed to control the transient and steady formation configuration, as well as the formation forming time, which not only can form the designated formation configuration but also can guarantee collision avoidance and terrain avoidance theoretically. Next, considering the constraints caused by formation controller on trajectory planning such as the safe distance, turn angle and step length, as well as the constraint of formation shape, a leader trajectory planning method based on sparse A∗ algorithm is proposed. Simulation results show that the UAV formation can arrive at the destination safely with a short trajectory no matter keeping the formation or encountering formation transformation.