Abstract: The problem of UAV target search in a three-dimensional unknown environment is a very challenging and realistic task. Compared with other intelligent algorithms, the pigeon swarm algorithm has faster convergence speed, higher search efficiency, and is suitable for target optimization tasks. Therefore, a multi-UAV target search method based on the pigeon swarm algorithm is proposed. The UAVs search for the information left by the target. Aiming at the problem that the pigeon swarm algorithm is easy to fall into the local optimum, an improved pigeon swarm algorithm based on the differential evolution strategy is proposed. Finally, simulation experiments verify the rationality and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

Key words: multi-UAV, target search, pigeon-inspired optimization, differential evolution