A Review of Control Methods for Tailless Aircraft

Abstract

Tailless aircraft lack traditional tail structures, which grants them significant stealth capabilities owing to their unique aerodynamic configuration. However, the absence of conventional aerodynamic control surfaces and the presence of complex nonlinear dynamics pose considerable challenges for designing their control systems. This paper summarizes the latest advances in innovative effectors and associated control algorithms for tailless aircraft. In addressing the removal of traditional control surfaces, it compares the characteristics of various innovative effectors, highlighting fluid thrust vectoring as an efficient technology well-suited for tailless aircraft. Given the nonlinear characteristics of fluid thrust vectoring, the paper introduces anti-windup control methods and hysteresis suppression strategies, and discusses the challenges and issues related to implementing fluid thrust vectoring. Ultimately, this paper reviews research on maintaining the attitude stability of tailless aircraft through decoupling control, control allocation methods, and reliable control techniques. Despite extensive research on tailless aircraft control, unresolved issues persist. Further in-depth research is necessary to effectively integrate fluid thrust vectoring with tailless aircraft to ensure flight safety.