Robust pitch attitude hold with MRAC for a nonlinear light combat aircraft model

Abstract

In this paper, we implement a robust model reference adaptive control (MRAC) as part of an ongoing effort to demonstrate practical application of a nonlinear control system to the pitch-attitude hold of an aircraft model. We show that MRAC can improve transient performance and compensate changes in the performance characteristics of the aircraft mid-flight by evaluating an example where a change in center of gravity of the aircraft is coupled with decreased control effectiveness.