A nonlinear approach to the control of a disc-shaped aircraft

This paper describes a new control approach for scale-model airplanes. The proposed control solution is primarily geared towards drones whose lift surfaces can be approximated by a disc-shaped wing. Designed and analysed on the basis of a specific model of aerodynamic forces acting on the aircraft, it departs from other solutions in its capacity to handle important and rapidly changing attack angles within a large flight envelope. Simulation results illustrate its robust performance.