Comparative assessment of the performances of linear quadratic and sliding mode control methodologies in the control of lateral axis of aircraft

The automatic flight control system of an aircraft is very complicated in nature with lot of logics and operational constraints. The study of the detailed automatic flight control and thrust control involves complicated logics for the control functions with closed loop control systems which can be realized in the software. The work is focussed on the redesign of automatic flight control system using robust control methods in MATLAB/Simulink environment. This paper aims at a complete study, analysis, design and performance monitoring of new generation autopilot system using Linear Quadratic Regulator and Sliding Mode Control methods for the control of roll angle of aircraft. Comparison of the results of simulation of the above gives an optimal performance of the autopilot system.