Multivariable adaptive control for the design of STT missile autopilots

Abstract

This paper presents an application of the adaptive control techniques to the design of skid-to-turn (STT) missile autopilots. The adaptive controller is obtained bu combining a multivariable linear quadratic control design with a robust parameter estimator with respect to relatively large aerodynamic variations and modeling erros. Of particular importance, the control design as well as the parameter estimation are derived in the discrete-time domain using the δ operator formulation. Realistic simulations involving a physical model of a STT missile are reported to demonstrate the performances and stability robustness of the autopilot.