A multivariable MRAC design using state feedback for linearized aircraft models with damage

Aircraft damage causes large uncertain system parametric and structural changes which lead to unknown deviations of the aircraft equilibrium points and unknown coupling of the aircraft dynamics. To deal with such unknown changes, we use a sequential linear model with a dynamics offset to represent a linearized aircraft system before and after damage. A state feedback multivariable model reference adaptive control (MRAC) scheme is developed for such a linear model, with adaptive compensation of the uncertain dynamics offset as well as system parametric uncertainties. Desired closed-loop signal boundedness and asymptotic output tracking are established. Numerical values of linearized models from the NASA GTM were used in the simulation study and its results verified the desired system performance despite uncertain damage.