Longitudinal axis flight control law design by adaptive backstepping

In order to achieve good handling (or flying) qualities in longitudinal axis for all flight conditions, an adaptive backstepping flight control law is presented. With the backstepping technique, an adaptive controller is synthesized for the purpose of accomplishing desired responses under a wide range of flight envelope. The specification assignments for flying qualities are used for selecting essential parameters of the proposed adaptive controller for all flight conditions. In comparison with other conventional control methods, the proposed adaptive control law is much simpler and easier to construct and implement. Simulation results show that the proposed method is capable of giving desired closed-loop dynamic performance and robustness against uncertainties within the subsonic and supersonic flight conditions.