Multi-UCAVs task assignment simulation platform based on parallel ant colony optimization

Multiple unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) coordinated combat is the main mode to put UCAVs into the battle, while multiple UCAVs task assignment is the key problem of multiple UCAVs coordinated combat. There have recently been some reports on approaches to multiple UCAVs task assignment. But these approaches have some disadvantages, such as being complex on computing, long computing time and so on. In order to overcome the shortages of these approaches, a novel method based on improved ant colony optimization (ACO) is proposed in this paper. Firstly, various air combat predominance functions are deduced, and the comprehensive situation assessment function is built. On the introduction of basic ACO principle and mathematical model, a parallel ACO model is proposed to solve the multiple UCAVs target assignment problem. Subsequently, the parallel ACO pseudo-codes are given in detail. Finally, a multiple UCAVs task assignment simulation platform based on parallel ACO is developed. This platform takes MATLAB graphical user interface (GUI) as the developing tool. Exact applications show that this simulation platform is efficient, easy to use and modify.