For flight control systems, this paper proposes an adaptive control approach based on a framework of Explicit Model Following Direct Adaptive Control scheme. As a first step, a modified F-16 dynamics model is developed to explore control surface redundancies, as well as to enable modelling of dynamics changes result from faults, failures and/or plant deviations. In this modified model, each control surface can be individually controlled. Next, this paper proposes a flight control framework that integrates an Adaptive Neural Network, non-linear dynamic inversion, control allocation, System Identification with Uncested Kalman Filter and Model Reference Following scheme to leverage their synergies. Then, the proposed approach is tested using the F-16 nonlinear model developed and its performance is validated via numerical simulations.

See here Thesis Doc, which explain the theory behind the submission:

Thesis PDF

See here IFAC submition, which explain the the plant model and Adaptive Neural Networks theory and implementation:

IFAC publication PDF

Current linear Flight Control Systems (FCS) algorithms are incapable of adapting to sudden changes in terms of aircraft configuration. It is well known that classical control approaches only provide a satisfying performance and robustness if the aircraft is close enough to the model assumed for control design. Any uncertainties or failures lead to degradations in stability and performance. Therefore, linear, model-based control techniques might require complete redesign of control if there are significant changes in aircraft configuration. As a result this tends to restrict the ability to alter the design or carry new equipment or to handle in-flight reconfigurations.

• Requires Matlab 2015a (currently running) or above (some changes may be needed)
• Requires Matlab mex compiler to be installed. See here https://www.mathworks.com/support/sysreq/previous_releases.html
• Requires Flight Gear 2.6 or above
• Requires gamepad or equivalent USB compatible Joystick

Navigate to src/7dof FCS Development and run RUN_ME.m with Matlab

Using the GUI, stop or run the simulation and inject failures, deviations or variations of the F16 model

@David Torres Ocaña [email protected]