Design of digital control algorithms for Unmanned Air Vehicles

Abstract

Recent advances in the design of high performance aircraft, such as fly by wire controls, complex autopilot systems, and unstable platforms for greater maneuverability, are all possible due to the use of digital control systems. With the aid of modem control tools and techniques based on state-space methods, the aerospace engineer has the ability to design a dynamic aircraft model, verify its accuracy, and design and implement the controller within a matter of a few months. This work examines the digital control design process utilizing a Rapid Prototyping System developed at the Naval Postgraduate School. The entire design process is presented, from design of the controller to implementation and flight test on an Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV)