Time-optimal control of linear fractional systems with variable coefficients

Linear systems described by fractional differential equations (FDEs) with variable coefficients involving Riemann–Liouville and Caputo derivatives are examined in the paper. For these systems, a solution of the initial-value problem is derived in terms of the generalized Peano–Baker series and a time-optimal control problem is formulated. The optimal control problem is treated from the convex-analytical viewpoint. Necessary and sufficient conditions for time-optimal control similar to that of Pontryagin’s maximum principle are obtained. Theoretical results are supported by examples.