Performance Evaluation of Multivariable Optimal and Predictive Controllers on an Aircraft Roll Control System

Abstract

The paper proposes an advanced aircraft roll control system based on design an autopilot that controls the roll angle of an aircraft. Firstly, modeling phase begins with a derivation of suitable mathematical model to describe the lateral directional motion of an aircraft. Then, the Linear Quadratic Controller (LQR) and Model Predictive Controller (MPC) are developed for controlling the roll angle of an aircraft system. Simulation results of roll controllers are presented in time domain and the results obtained with MPC are compared with the results of LQR. Finally, the performances of roll control systems are analyzed in order to decide which control method gives better performance with respect to the desired roll angle. According to simulation results, it is showed that MPC controller deliver the best performance than LQR Controller.