Design of active disturbance rejection control system for morphing flight dynamics

Different attitude control systems for large-scale morphing flight were developed based on active disturbance rejection control. For the introduced longitudinal parameter-dependent flight dynamics, an attitude control system was developed with a novel control strategy, virtual morphing control surface, put forward. The un-modeled dynamics and aerodynamic error were observed and compensated as a generalized disturbance. Case studies illustrated that the control system with virtual morphing control surfaces showed low requirements on the elevator deflection and shape changes. The results indicate that a novel and practical control system, integrating flight attitude control with shape control, is developed based on “virtual morphing control surface” strategy and active disturbance rejection control method, which can achieve autonomous, smart morphing similar to bird-like flight, and reduce the energy consumption of both the elevators and the morphing actuators.