Segmented Wing Aircraft Lateral Directional Flight Control Design With Minimum Drag Constraints

Following the current trend for developing biologically inspired flight configurations, flight control system for a transport type aircraft with no vertical tail and segmented main wing is to be developed. The transport configuration is inspired by the fact that birds do not have vertical tails and their wings have various trailing edge feathers that serve to form independent wing segments for roll and yaw control. An aerodynamic model for a generic transport aircraft, modeled after the Boeing 747, is obtained using NASA’s PMARC software. The aircraft is modeled with no vertical tail and the main wing has several independently controlled trailing edge segments. A flight control design will be carried out to satisfy roll and yaw moment commands. These moment commands might come from desired roll or yaw rate commands from the pilot. In addition, for increased performance, it is desirable to maintain a minimum drag configuration. This will result in a reduction in fuel usage for maximum range, endurance, or maximum flight speed. The final controller will provide main wing segment deflection commands designed to meet desired roll and yaw moment commands while attaining a minimum drag configuration.