The Application of Fuzzy Logic on Transition Manoeuvre Control of a New Ducted-Fan VTOL UAV Configuration

The development of a fuzzy logic controller on a new configuration of ducted-fan VTOL UAV is presented for automating the transition manoeuvre. The design goal is to have a smooth push-over transition flight from low speed vertical flight to high speed horizontal flight in the presence of wind disturbance and without the need of using complicated control strategies. A target attitude for the transition is selected and then compared with the current vehicle attitude. This gives the attitude errors that are used to generate command signals to the vehicle controller. Simulation results demonstrate that the UAV was able to perform a smooth transition manoeuvre and has a good overall performance.