Published online by Cambridge University Press: 03 February 2016
A methodology referred to as the continuation design framework is developed for application to nonlinear flight control problems. This forms the basis of a systematic approach to control system design for aircraft operating in highly nonlinear regions of the flight envelope. The essence of the continuation design framework is to combine bifurcation analysis with modern control methods such as eigenstructure assignment. Theoretical and practical issues of the approach are discussed with particular reference to the problems posed by agile fighter aircraft. The proposed methodology is applied to a fifth order hypothetical aircraft model and is shown to provide a visible, flexible and logical approach to nonlinear aircraft control law design.