A testbed for nonlinear flight control techniques: the Caltech ducted fan

Abstract

This paper considers the fundamental design and modeling of the Caltech ducted fan. The Caltech ducted fan is a scaled model of the longitudinal axis of a flight vehicle. The purpose of the ducted fan is the research and development of new nonlinear flight guidance and control techniques for uninhabited combat aerial vehicles. It is shown that critical design relations must be satisfied in order that the ducted fan's longitudinal dynamics behave similar to those of an flight vehicle. Preliminary flight test results illustrate the flying qualities of the ducted fan.