AbstractThis study concentrates on the problem of $H_\infty $ output tracking bumpless transfer control for a category of switched linear systems (SLSs). The $H_\infty $ output tracking bumpless transfer control problem is to ensure the SLSs to satisfy the bumpless transfer performance and the $H_\infty $ output tracking properties by co-design of a switching rule and a series of controllers. Firstly, a concept of the bumpless transfer performance for a system in this class is presented. Then, via a Lyapunov function scheme, criteria guaranteeing the bumpless transfer performance and the $H_\infty $ output tracking properties are established. The criteria allow the problem of the $H_\infty $ output tracking bumpless transfer control for subsystems is unsolvable. Finally, an example of controlling a turbofan model is offered for the verification on the effectiveness of the presented control strategy.