Integrated Flight‐Propulsion Modeling and Nonlinear MPC Design for Thrust‐Vectored Aircraft

ABSTRACT

Thrust‐vectored aircraft have captured the attention of researchers due to their capabilities for vertical takeoff/landing and high‐speed/efficient forward flight. The exceptional performance of these aircraft can be achieved through the optimal integration of the aircraft and propulsion system, which poses significant challenges for control design. In this paper, we present a novel multivariable nonlinear model predictive integrated flight and propulsion controller (NMP‐IFPC) to address the intricate couplings and achieve synthetic optimization of the thrust‐vectored aircraft and propulsion system. Simultaneously, the aircraft's velocity, attitude, and engine spool speed can be accurately tracked through the proposed controller. To accomplish this, we first develop a comprehensive nonlinear integrated flight and propulsion model that captures the couplings between the aircraft and the propulsion system. The integrated model encompasses a nonlinear 6‐DOF aircraft model and a component‐level dynamic propulsion model, where the thrust‐vectored aircraft's propulsion system consists of a shaft‐driven lift fan, a three‐bearing swivel duct (3BSD) nozzle, and a dual‐axis turbofan engine with a roll nozzle. The model validation and coupling analysis of the proposed integrated model are discussed in detail. Considering the drastic dynamic changes of the thrust‐vectored aircraft and propulsion system in different modes, we design two distinct control strategies for S/VTOL and CTOL modes based on the proposed NMP‐IFPC controller. Simulations in three different flight modes are conducted to verify the feasibility and advantages of the proposed control strategies.