Modelling and control of a single degree-of-freedom dynamic wind tunnel RIG

Development of flight control laws for modern highly-manoeuvrable aircraft generally takes many years. Controller design is often only started after a detailed mathematical model of the aircraft exists, which may well already be many years into the development programme. This problem is being exacerbated by the need for modern aircraft to be controllable at extremely high angles of attack (up to ≈ 80°), which increases control system complexity and requires more time to be spent in development and testing. A possible method for reducing the time spent in both aerodynamic and control system design phases is being developed at the University of Bristol. By using a novel, multi-axis dynamic wind tunnel rig it is hoped that control system design can be conducted in parallel with aerodynamic development and mathematical modelling to reduce the overall aircraft procurement time. This paper aims to give a brief outline of the pilot rig at the University of Bristol and present modelling and experimental control results obtained on the rig in a single degree-of-freedom configuration.