Flight control application of model algorithmic control with IDCOM

Some of the outstanding problems in the application of modern control theory to Flight Control Systems are: (i) model selection, (ii) incorporation of state and control constraints, and (iii) robustness and sensitivity to unknown parameters and disturbances. In this paper, we use a technique called Model Algorithmic Control (MAC) with IDCOM which resolves the above problems in an effective manner. The technique was originally developed for industrial applications in France. It is based on an identification-optimization approach, which is very general in nature. MAC is a digital technique that makes full use of the capabilities of current microprocessors and any future developments in microprocessor technology would further enhance its effectiveness. In this paper, we describe an application of MAC to the design of an adaptive autopilot for pitch control of a high performance aircraft.