Path-Following Control for Thrust-Vectored Hypersonic Aircraft

Nezar Sahbon, Mariusz Jacewicz, Piotr Lichota and Katarzyna Strzelecka
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Nezar Sahbon: Łukasiewicz Research Network—Institute of Aviation, Al. Krakowska 110/114, 02-256 Warsaw, Poland
Mariusz Jacewicz: Institute of Aeronautics and Applied Mechanics, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-665 Warsaw, Poland
Piotr Lichota: Institute of Aeronautics and Applied Mechanics, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-665 Warsaw, Poland
Katarzyna Strzelecka: Department of Cryogenics and Aeronautical Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 5, 1-21

Abstract: Thrust vector control (TVC) might be used to control aircraft at large altitudes and in post-stall conditions when aerodynamic control surfaces are ineffective. This study demonstrated that the implementation of the TVC on high-speed aircraft is a reasonable solution and might be an alternative when compared to the complicated reaction control system or large aerodynamic control surfaces. The numerical flight dynamics model of the X-15 experimental aircraft was developed and implemented in MATLAB/Simulink and then used to investigate the proposed solution. The obtained results indicate that the aircraft, equipped with full 3D thrust vectoring and two independent horizontal stabilizers to control the roll angle, was able to achieve flight along the path that was defined by a set of waypoints. This paper also highlights the potential benefits and challenges of using TVC as a control method for aircraft. The results of this study contribute to the growing body of research on aircraft control and simulation. Future work can explore the use of TVC for other aircraft with unique configurations and low maneuverability features.

Keywords: X-15; thrust vectoring; path following; hypersonic vehicle (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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