Thinning of antenna arrays has been a popular topic for the last several decades. With increasing computational power, this optimization task acquired a new hue. This paper suggests a genetic algorithm as an instrument for antenna array thinning. The algorithm with a deliberately chosen fitness function allows synthesizing thinned linear antenna arrays with low peak sidelobe level (SLL) while maintaining the half-power beamwidth (HPBW) of a full linear antenna array. Based on results from existing papers in the field and known approaches to antenna array thinning, a classification of thinning types is introduced. The optimal thinning type for a linear thinned antenna array is determined on the basis of a maximum attainable SLL. The effect of thinning coefficient on main directional pattern characteristics, such as peak SLL and HPBW, is discussed for a number of amplitude distributions.

Most of the existing direction of arrival (DOA) estimation algorithms are applied under the assumption that the array manifold is ideal. In practical engineering applications, the existence of non-ideal conditions such as mutual coupling between array elements, array amplitude and phase errors, and array element position errors leads to defects in the array manifold, which makes the performance of the algorithm decline rapidly or even fail. In order to solve the problem of DOA estimation in the presence of amplitude and phase errors and array element position errors, this paper introduces the first-order Taylor expansion equivalent model of the received signal under the uniform linear array from the Bayesian point of view. In the solution, the amplitude and phase error parameters and the array element position error parameters are regarded as random variables obeying the Gaussian distribution. At the same time, the expectation-maximization algorithm is used to update the probability distribution parameters, and then the two error parameters are solved alternately to obtain more accurate DOA estimation results. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified by simulation and experiment.

According to the measurement principle of the traditional interferometer, a narrowband signal model is established and used, however, for wideband signals or multiple signals, this model is invalid. For the problems of direction finding with interferometer for wideband signals and multiple signals scene, a frequency domain phase interferometer is proposed and the concrete implementation scheme is given. The proposed method computes the phase difference in frequency domain, and finds multi-target results with judging the spectrum amplitude changing, and uses the frequency phase difference to compute the arrival angle. Theoretical analysis and simulation results show that the proposed method effectively solves the problem of the angle estimation with phase interferometer for wideband signals, and has good performance in multiple signals scene with non-overlapping spectrum or partially overlapping. In addition, the wider the signal bandwidth, the better direction finding performance of this algorithm.

In this paper, we study the orthogonal time frequency space signal transmission over multi-path channel in the presence of phase noise (PHN) at both sides of millimeter wave (mmWave) communication links. The statistics characteristics of the PHN-induced common phase error and inter-Doppler interference are investigated. Then, a column-shaped pilot structure is designed, and training pilots are used to realize linear-complexity PHN tracking and compensation. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed scheme enables the signal to noise ratio loss to be restrained within 1 dB in contrast to the no PHN case.

Fog computing has emerged as an important technology which can improve the performance of computation-intensive and latency-critical communication networks. Nevertheless, the fog computing Internet-of-Things (IoT) systems are susceptible to malicious eavesdropping attacks during the information transmission, and this issue has not been adequately addressed. In this paper, we propose a physical-layer secure fog computing IoT system model, which is able to improve the physical layer security of fog computing IoT networks against the malicious eavesdropping of multiple eavesdroppers. The secrecy rate of the proposed model is analyzed, and the quantum galaxy–based search algorithm (QGSA) is proposed to solve the hybrid task scheduling and resource management problem of the network. The computational complexity and convergence of the proposed algorithm are analyzed. Simulation results validate the efficiency of the proposed model and reveal the influence of various environmental parameters on fog computing IoT networks. Moreover, the simulation results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid task scheduling and resource management scheme can effectively enhance secrecy performance across different communication scenarios.

In this paper, the newly-derived maximum correntropy Kalman filter (MCKF) is re-derived from the M-estimation perspective, where the MCKF can be viewed as a special case of the M-estimations and the Gaussian kernel function is a special case of many robust cost functions. Based on the derivation process, a unified form for the robust Gaussian filters (RGF) based on M-estimation is proposed to suppress the outliers and non-Gaussian noise in the measurement. The RGF provides a unified form for one Gaussian filter with different cost functions and a unified form for one robust filter with different approximating methods for the involved Gaussian integrals. Simulation results show that RGF with different weighting functions and different Gaussian integral approximation methods has robust anti-jamming performance.

Jamming suppression is traditionally achieved through the use of spatial filters based on array signal processing theory. In order to achieve better jamming suppression performance, many studies have applied blind source separation (BSS) to jamming suppression. BSS can achieve the separation and extraction of the individual source signals from the mixed signal received by the array. This paper proposes a perspective to recognize BSS as spatial band-pass filters (SBPFs) for jamming suppression applications. The theoretical derivation indicates that the processing of mixed signals by BSS can be perceived as the application of a set of SBPFs that gate the source signals at various angles. Simulations are performed using radar jamming suppression as an example. The simulation results suggest that BSS and SBPFs produce approximately the same effects. Simulation results are consistent with theoretical derivation results.

Accurate modeling and parameter estimation of sea clutter are fundamental for effective sea surface target detection. With the improvement of radar resolution, sea clutter exhibits a pronounced heavy-tailed characteristic, rendering traditional distribution models and parameter estimation methods less effective. To address this, this paper proposes a dual compound-Gaussian model with inverse Gaussian texture (CG-IG) distribution model and combines it with an improved Adam algorithm to introduce a method for parameter correction. This method effectively fits sea clutter with heavy-tailed characteristics. Experiments with real measured sea clutter data show that the dual CG-IG distribution model, after parameter correction, accurately describes the heavy-tailed phenomenon in sea clutter amplitude distribution, and the overall mean square error of the distribution is reduced.

In wideband noncooperative interference cancellation, the reference signals obtained through auxiliary antennas are weighted to cancel with the interference signal. The correlation between the reference signal and the interference signal determines interference cancellation performance, while the auxiliary antenna array affects the correlation by influencing the amplitude and phase of the reference signals. This paper analyzes the effect of auxiliary antenna array on multiple performances of wideband noncooperative interference cancellation. Firstly, the array received signal model of wideband interference is established, and the weight vector coupled with the auxiliary antennas array manifold is solved by spectral analysis and eigen-subspace decomposition. Then, multiple performances which include cancellation resolution, grating null, wideband interference cancellation ratio (ICR), and convergence rate are quantitatively characterized with the auxiliary antenna array. It is obtained through analysis that the performances mutually restrict the auxiliary antenna array. Higher cancellation resolution requires larger array aperture, but when the number of auxiliary antennas is fixed, larger array aperture results in more grating nulls. When the auxiliary antennas are closer to the main antenna, the wideband ICR is improved, but the convergence rate is reduced. The conclusions are verified through simulation of one-dimensional uniform array and two-dimensional nonuniform array. The experiments of three arrays are compared, and the results conform well with simulation and support the theoretical analysis.

To extract and display the significant information of combat systems, this paper introduces the methodology of functional cartography into combat networks and proposes an integrated framework named “functional cartography of heterogeneous combat networks based on the operational chain” (FCBOC). In this framework, a functional module detection algorithm named operational chain-based label propagation algorithm (OCLPA), which considers the cooperation and interactions among combat entities and can thus naturally tackle network heterogeneity, is proposed to identify the functional modules of the network. Then, the nodes and their modules are classified into different roles according to their properties. A case study shows that FCBOC can provide a simplified description of disorderly information of combat networks and enable us to identify their functional and structural network characteristics. The results provide useful information to help commanders make precise and accurate decisions regarding the protection, disintegration or optimization of combat networks. Three algorithms are also compared with OCLPA to show that FCBOC can most effectively find functional modules with practical meaning.

The exploration of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarm systems represents a focal point in the research of multi-agent systems, with the investigation of their fission-fusion behavior holding significant theoretical and practical value. This review systematically examines the methods for fission-fusion of UAV swarms from the perspective of multi-agent systems, encompassing the composition of UAV swarm systems and fission-fusion conditions, information interaction mechanisms, and existing fission-fusion approaches. Firstly, considering the constituent units of UAV swarms and the conditions influencing fission-fusion, this paper categorizes and introduces the UAV swarm systems. It further examines the effects and limitations of fission-fusion methods across various categories and conditions. Secondly, a comprehensive analysis of the prevalent information interaction mechanisms within UAV swarms is conducted from the perspective of information interaction structures. The advantages and limitations of various mechanisms in the context of fission-fusion behaviors are summarized and synthesized. Thirdly, this paper consolidates the existing implementation research findings related to the fission-fusion behavior of UAV swarms, identifies unresolved issues in fission-fusion research, and discusses potential solutions.Finally, the paper concludes with a comprehensive summary and systematically outlines future research opportunities.

The rapid development of military technology has prompted different types of equipment to break the limits of operational domains and emerged through complex interactions to form a vast combat system of systems (CSoS), which can be abstracted as a heterogeneous combat network (HCN). It is of great military significance to study the disintegration strategy of combat networks to achieve the breakdown of the enemy’s CSoS. To this end, this paper proposes an integrated framework called HCN disintegration based on double deep $Q$-learning (HCN-DDQL). Firstly, the enemy’s CSoS is abstracted as an HCN, and an evaluation index based on the capability and attack costs of nodes is proposed. Meanwhile, a mathematical optimization model for HCN disintegration is established. Secondly, the learning environment and double deep $Q$-network model of HCN-DDQL are established to train the HCN’s disintegration strategy. Then, based on the learned HCN-DDQL model, an algorithm for calculating the HCN’s optimal disintegration strategy under different states is proposed. Finally, a case study is used to demonstrate the reliability and effectiveness of HCN-DDQL, and the results demonstrate that HCN-DDQL can disintegrate HCNs more effectively than baseline methods.

To address the issue of neglecting scenarios involving joint operations and collaborative drone swarm operations in air combat target intent recognition. This paper proposes a transfer learning-based intention prediction model for drone formation targets in air combat. This model recognizes the intentions of multiple aerial targets by extracting spatial features among the targets at each moment. Simulation results demonstrate that, compared to classical intention recognition models, the proposed model in this paper achieves higher accuracy in identifying the intentions of drone swarm targets in air combat scenarios.

Performance-based warranties (PBWs) are widely used in industry and manufacturing. Given that PBW can impose financial burdens on manufacturers, rational maintenance decisions are essential for expanding profit margins. This paper proposes an optimization model for PBW decisions for systems affected by Gamma degradation processes, incorporating periodic inspection. A system performance degradation model is established. Preventive maintenance probability and corrective renewal probability models are developed to calculate expected warranty costs and system availability. A benefits function, which includes incentives, is constructed to optimize the initial and subsequent inspection intervals and preventive maintenance thresholds, thereby maximizing warranty profit. An improved sparrow search algorithm is developed to optimize the model, with a case study on large steam turbine rotor shafts. The results suggest the optimal PBW strategy involves an initial inspection interval of approximately 20 months, with subsequent intervals of about four months, and a preventive maintenance threshold of approximately 37.39 mm wear. When compared to common cost-minimization-based condition maintenance strategies and PBW strategies that do not differentiate between initial and subsequent inspection intervals, the proposed PBW strategy increases the manufacturer’s profit by 1% and 18%, respectively. Sensitivity analyses provide managerial recommendations for PBW implementation. The PBW strategy proposed in this study significantly increases manufacturers’ profits by optimizing inspection intervals and preventive maintenance thresholds, and manufacturers should focus on technological improvement in preventive maintenance and cost control to further enhance earnings.

The emergence of laser technology has led to the gradual integration of laser weapon system (LaWS) into military scene, particularly in the field of anti-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), showcasing significant potential. However, A current limitation lies in the absence of a comprehensive quantitative approach to assess the capabilities of LaWS. To address this issue, a damage effectiveness characterization model for LaWS is established, taking into account the properties of laser transmission through the atmosphere and the thermal damage effects. By employing this model, key parameters pertaining to the effectiveness of laser damage are determined. The impact of various spatial positions and atmospheric conditions on the damage effectiveness of LaWS have been examined, employing simulation experiments with diverse parameters. The conclusions indicate that the damage effectiveness of LaWS is contingent upon the spatial position of the target, resulting in a diminished effectiveness to damage on distant, low-altitude targets. Additionally, the damage effectiveness of LaWS is heavily reliant on the atmospheric condition, particularly in complex settings such as midday and low visibility conditions, where the damage effectiveness is substantially reduced. This paper provides an accurate and effective calculation method for the rapid decision-making of the operators.

In view of the deficiencies in aspects such as failure rate requirements and analysis assumptions of advisory circular, this paper investigates the sources of high safety requirements, and the top-down design method for the flight control system life cycle. Correspondingly, measures are proposed, including enhancing the safety target value to 10^?10 per flight hour and implementing development assurance. In view of the shortcomings of mainstream aircraft flight control systems, such as weak backup capability and complex fault reconfiguration logic, improvements have been made to the system’s operating modes, control channel allocation, and common mode failure mitigation schemes based on the existing flight control architecture. The flight control design trends and philosophies have been analyzed. A flight control system architecture scheme is proposed, which includes three operating modes and multi-level voters/monitors, three main control channels, and a backup system independent of the main control system, which has been confirmed through functional modeling simulations. The proposed method plays an important role in the architecture design of safety-critical flight control system.

In the realm of missile defense systems, the self-sufficient maneuver capacity of missile swarms is pivotal for their survival. Through the analysis of the missile dynamics model, a time-efficient cooperative attack strategy for missile swarm is proposed. Based on the distribution of the attackers and defenders, the collision avoidance against the defenders is considered during the attack process. By analyzing the geometric relationship between the relative velocity vector and relative position vector of the attackers and defenders, the collision avoidance constrains of attacking swarm are redefined. The key point is on adjusting the relative velocity vectors to fall outside the collision cone. This work facilitates high-precision attack toward the target while keeping safe missing distance between other attackers during collision avoidance process. By leveraging an innovative repulsion artificial function, a time-efficient cooperative attack strategy for missile swarm is obtained. Through rigorous simulation, the effectiveness of this cooperative attack strategy is substantiated. Furthermore, by employing Monte Carlo simulation, the success rate of the cooperative attack strategy is assessesed and the optimal configuration for the missile swarm is deduced.

This paper concentrates on addressing the hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) tracking problem considering the high maneuverability and non-stationary heavy-tailed measurement noise without prior statistics in complicated flight environments. Since the interacting multiple model (IMM) filtering is famous with its ability to cover the movement property of motion models, the problem is formulated as modeling the non-stationary heavy-tailed measurement noise without any prior statistics in the IMM framework. Firstly, without any prior statistics, the Gaussian-inverse Wishart distribution is embedded in the improved Pearson type-VII (PTV) distribution, which can adaptively adjust the parameters to model the non-stationary heavy-tailed measurement noise. Besides, degree of freedom (DOF) parameters are surrogated by the maximization of evidence lower bound (ELBO) in the variational Bayesian optimization framework instead of fixed value to handle uncertain non-Gaussian degrees. Then, this paper analytically derives fusion forms based on the maximum Versoria fusion criterion instead of the moment matching approach, which can provide a precise approximation for the PTV mixture distribution in the mixing and output steps combined with the weight Kullback-Leibler average theory. Simulation results demonstrate the superiority and robustness of the proposed algorithm in typical HGVs tracking when the measurement noise without priori statistics is non-stationary.

A high precision detection technique is analyzed based on the optical micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer with double gratings for noise suppression and scale factor enhancement. The brief sensing model and modulation detection model are built using the phase sensitive detection, and the relationship between stimulated acceleration and system output is given. The schematics of gap modulation and light intensity modulation are analyzed respectively, and the choice of modulation frequency in the optical MEMS accelerometer system is discussed. According to the experimental results, the scale factor is improved from 15.45 V/g with the gap modulation to 18.78 V/g with the light intensity modulation, and the signal to noise ratio is improved from 42.95 dB to 81.73 dB. The overall noise level in the optical MEMS accelerometer is effectively suppressed.

A three-dimensional path-planning approach has been developed to coordinate multiple fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) while avoiding collisions. The hierarchical path-planning architecture that divides the path-planning process into two layers is proposed by designing the velocity-obstacle strategy for satisfying timeliness and effectiveness. The upper-level layer focuses on creating an efficient Dubins initial path considering the dynamic constraints of the fixed wing. Subsequently, the lower-level layer detects potential collisions and adjusts its flight paths to avoid collisions by using the three-dimensional velocity obstacle method, which describes the maneuvering space of collision avoidance as the intersection space of half space. To further handle the dynamic and collision-avoidance constraints, a priority mechanism is designed to ensure that the adjusted path is still feasible for fixed-wing UAVs. Simulation experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

This paper comprehensively explores the impulsive on-orbit inspection game problem utilizing reinforcement learning and game training methods. The purpose of the spacecraft is to inspect the entire surface of a non-cooperative target with active maneuverability in front lighting. First, the impulsive orbital game problem is formulated as a turn-based sequential game problem. Second, several typical relative orbit transfers are encapsulated into modules to construct a parameterized action space containing discrete modules and continuous parameters, and multi-pass deep Q-networks (MPDQN) algorithm is used to implement autonomous decision-making. Then, a curriculum learning method is used to gradually increase the difficulty of the training scenario. The backtracking proportional self-play training framework is used to enhance the agent’s ability to defeat inconsistent strategies by building a pool of opponents. The behavior variations of the agents during training indicate that the intelligent game system gradually evolves towards an equilibrium situation. The restraint relations between the agents show that the agents steadily improve the strategy. The influence of various factors on game results is tested.

In this paper, an online midcourse guidance method for intercepting high-speed maneuvering targets is proposed. Firstly, the affine system is used to build a dynamic model and analyze the state constraints. The midcourse guidance problem is transformed into a continuous time optimization problem. Secondly, the problem is transformed into a discrete convex programming problem by affine control variable relaxation, Gaussian pseudospectral discretization and constraints linearization. Then, the off-line midcourse guidance trajectory is generated before midcourse guidance. It is used as the initial reference trajectory for online correction of midcourse guidance. An online guidance framework is used to eliminate the error caused by calculation of guidance instruction time. And the design of discrete points decreases with flight time to improve the solving efficiency. In addition, it is proposed that the terminal guidance capture is used innovatively space to judge the success of midcourse guidance. Numerical simulation shows the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.