Title: Application of state feedback in an autopilot design

Authors: S.C. Fok, E. Low, S.H. Tan

Addresses: School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore. School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore. School of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore

Abstract: The paper presents the use of modern state-space control theory in the design of an autopilot. The design utilises an observer to determine the angle of attack of a tail-controlled vehicle and the application of the LQR technique to determine the state feedback gains. Computer modelling and simulation are used to evaluate the autopilot performances under different glide and boost conditions. The performances are compared with that from a conventional three-loop autopilot [1] operating under similar flight conditions. Results indicated that the use of state feedback in the autopilot could enhance the vehicle performances under extreme glide and boost conditions.

Keywords: automatic control; vehicle dynamics; modelling and simulation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.2000.000249

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 2000 Vol.13 No.6, pp.280-284

Published online: 15 Jul 2003 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article