Abstract
This paper presents an investigation into the design of a flight control system, using a decoupled non-linear sliding mode control structure, designed using a linearised, 9th order representation of the dynamics of a PUMA helicopter in hover. The controllers are then tested upon a higher order, non-linear helicopter model, called RASCAL. This design approach is used for attitude command flight control implementation and the control performance is assessed in the terms of handling qualities through the Aeronautical Design Standards for Rotorcraft (ADS-33). In this context a linearised approximation of the helicopter system is used to design an SMC control scheme. These controllers have been found to yield a system that satisfies the Level 1 handling qualities set out by ADS-33.
Highlights
The issue of helicopter flight control has been discussed extensively in the relevant literature [1, 2, and references therein]
As the flight conditions change, these dynamics change, often resulting in controllers that only perform to specification within the operation margin for which they are designed
It is assumed that a linear model can represent the important rigid body dynamics needed for adequate controller design
Summary
The issue of helicopter flight control has been discussed extensively in the relevant literature [1, 2, and references therein]. As the flight conditions change, these dynamics change, often resulting in controllers that only perform to specification within the operation margin for which they are designed. All these factors have stimulated this area of research and resulted in a study of various control strategies being applied to this application. This non-linear term is the unique attribute for this type of control scheme It provides much of the controllers’ actuation power and provides high robustness to model uncertainty and external disturbance. The controller is evaluated using the Aeronautical Design Standard performance specification of handling qualities requirements for military rotorcraft, ADS-33E [12]
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