A simplified approach to nonlinear dynamic inversion based flight control

Abstract

This paper describes the theoretical development of a simplified form of Non-linear Dynamic Inversion (NDI). The approach is based upon manipulations of the basic equations describing flight mechanics, and requires minimal a priori knowledge of the vehicle aerodynamic characteristics, with the exception of control powers, and inertias. The method deals implicitly with vehicle non-linearities, and appears to offer excellent properties of robustness to uncertainties in the mathematical model. The behaviour of a longitudinal control law is illustrated using a nonlinear aircraft model.