Model-Based Design of a New Light-weight Aircraft

Abstract

This paper uses a combination of free and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) modeling and simulation software to simplify and accelerate the flight vehicle design process. Using an example of a new light-weight aircraft the paper shows how a vehicle’s geometry can be optimized, stability and control coefficients calculated, open-loop plant model created, flight controller designed, and closed-loop simulation run, all in a rapid iterative fashion, to confirm that system level requirements are satisfied.