This paper considers a statically stable unmanned aircraft that is equipped with only two aerodynamic control surfaces (called elevons) and one tractor-type propeller. A fault in either of the elevons must, therefore, be managed using only the other elevon and the throttle. Because the fault results in an underactuated aircraft, the reconfiguration possibilities are limited. This paper proposes a strategy of using the throttle for total energy control and the single operable elevon for lateral control. This paper then develops a fault-tolerant controller based on this strategy and demonstrates, via multiple flight tests, the autonomous guidance and final approach of this unmanned aircraft in the presence of a stuck elevon fault. The results indicate that it may be possible to control other aerial bodies, including larger aircraft, using one aerodynamic control surface.
Fault-Tolerant Flight Control Using One Aerodynamic Control Surface
Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics ; 42 , 3 ; 570-584
2018-12-11
15 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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