The control of an ASTOVL (advanced short takeoff and vertical landing) aircraft using H∞ methods

The control of an advanced short take-off and landing ( ASTOVL) aircraft presents a very challenging problem to the control systems engineer. The problem is especially difficult at low speeds in the transition from jet-borne to fully wing-borne flight. In this flight condition, the aircraft is unstable in the longitudinal axis and there is very poor decoupling between the pilot commands and the aircraft response. This results in very poor handling qualities and a very high pilot workload. Modern multivariable control theory provides an ideal framework in which to address these problems. The problem considered is the design of a robust integrated flight and powerplant control system for such an aircraft using H_∞ control theory