Measures of Merit for Multivariable Flight Control

Abstract : The purpose of this research is to develop new measures of merit specifically for multivariable aircraft flight control systems. This report provides a theoretical development of the measures of merit based on 'modern' multivariable control analysis methods. The analysis techniques used to form the new criteria draw from recent control theory research in Hankel singular values, matrix singular values, and the so-called 'structured' singular values. The proposed measures of merit are computed for a high-fidelity linear model of the F-16 aircraft at one cruise flight condition. The results of this investigation demonstrate the usefulness, computational methods, and numerical values expected from the new measures. It is hoped that this research will provide the foundation for compilation of multivariable flight control system evaluation results such that the Air Force and aircraft manufacturers can directly compare the performance of different designs. Control, Flying qualities, Multivariable systems.