Control Allocation System for an Innovative Remotely-Piloted Airship

Abstract

This paper describes an innovative remotely-piloted airship patented by Nautilus S.r.l. A mathematical model is implemented to evaluate the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle and test different control strategies. The main purpose of the paper is to investigate and design the longitudinal and lateral-directional control allocation systems in order to optimize actions and performance of the non conventional command system, consisting of fixed and thrust-vectoring propellers. This objective represents the first step in the implementation of an automatic flight control system able to maneuver the Nautilus innovative airship within the whole flight envelope.