Nonlinear system controllability analysis and autopilot design for bank-to-turn aircraft with two flaps

Abstract

In this study, the six-degrees-of-freedom flight motion of a tail-controlled bank-to-turn aircraft with two flaps is described as a nonlinear control system. The controllability of this flap-controlled system is analyzed based on nonlinear controllability theory and the system is proved to be weakly controllable. By choosing the angle-of-attack and roll angle as the outputs of this control system, the zero dynamics of the system are analyzed using Lyapunov stability theory, and are proved to be stable under some conditions given by an inequality. Then an autopilot is designed for this system using the feedback linearization technique. Results of the numerical simulation for this control system show the effectiveness of the controllability analysis and autopilot design.