Gust-alleviation control systems for aircraft

The use of active control technology (a.c.t.) to alleviate the effects on both the dynamic and structural responses of an aircraft flying through atmospheric turbulence, while maintaining an acceptable degree of flight-handling qualities, is discussed. Two control schemes, derived from optimal-control theory and the algebraic theory of model following, are presented, and their value as practical methods of achieving satisfactory ride comfort in a gusty environment is discussed. A possible weakness in current methods of mathematical modelling of flexible, or deformable, aircraft is indicated.