Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Shivam, Amit, Fernandes, Manuel C. R. M., Fontes, Fernando A. C. C., Fagiano, Lorenzo
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
Subjects:
Online Access:https://arxiv.org/abs/2512.06124
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1866915657857105920
author Shivam, Amit
Fernandes, Manuel C. R. M.
Fontes, Fernando A. C. C.
Fagiano, Lorenzo
author_facet Shivam, Amit
Fernandes, Manuel C. R. M.
Fontes, Fernando A. C. C.
Fagiano, Lorenzo
contents This paper presents a geometric and theoretical study of an exponentially varying look-ahead parameter for UAV path-following guidance. Conventional guidance laws with a fixed look-ahead distance often drive the vehicle into turn-rate saturation when the heading or cross-track error is large, leading to constrained maneuvers and higher control effort. The proposed variable L0 strategy reshapes the look-ahead profile so that the guidance command adapts to the evolving tracking error geometry. A detailed investigation shows that this adaptation significantly enlarges the region in which the commanded turn rate remains unsaturated, allowing the vehicle to operate smoothly over a broader range of error conditions. For representative settings, the unsaturated operational envelope increases by more than 70% relative to the constant L0 formulation. These geometric insights translate to smoother trajectories, earlier recovery from saturation, and reduced control demand. Simulation studies on straight-line and elliptical paths demonstrate the merits of the variable look-ahead strategy, highlighting its control-efficient and reliable path-following performance.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2512_06124
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Variable L0 Guidance Strategy: Enlarged Operational Envelope and Path-Following
Shivam, Amit
Fernandes, Manuel C. R. M.
Fontes, Fernando A. C. C.
Fagiano, Lorenzo
Systems and Control
This paper presents a geometric and theoretical study of an exponentially varying look-ahead parameter for UAV path-following guidance. Conventional guidance laws with a fixed look-ahead distance often drive the vehicle into turn-rate saturation when the heading or cross-track error is large, leading to constrained maneuvers and higher control effort. The proposed variable L0 strategy reshapes the look-ahead profile so that the guidance command adapts to the evolving tracking error geometry. A detailed investigation shows that this adaptation significantly enlarges the region in which the commanded turn rate remains unsaturated, allowing the vehicle to operate smoothly over a broader range of error conditions. For representative settings, the unsaturated operational envelope increases by more than 70% relative to the constant L0 formulation. These geometric insights translate to smoother trajectories, earlier recovery from saturation, and reduced control demand. Simulation studies on straight-line and elliptical paths demonstrate the merits of the variable look-ahead strategy, highlighting its control-efficient and reliable path-following performance.
title Variable L0 Guidance Strategy: Enlarged Operational Envelope and Path-Following
topic Systems and Control
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2512.06124