Aircraft Waypoint Navigation Control with Neural Network-Based Altitude-Hold Control

Flight control design for the autonomous waypoint navigation of aircraft is presented in this study. The waypoints are defined in terms of desired longitude and latitude. The control design is conducted in longitudinal and lateral directions, respectively. The lateral control is based upon coordinated turn strategy for which no sideslip is allowed under the turning maneuver. The longitudinal control is mainly focused on altitude hold during navigation. Neural network control approach is applied to the altitude-hold mode control. Simulation of the proposed control strategy has been performed under various conditions. A graphical simulation tool was developed to visually demonstrate the control technique developed in this study. A method to simulate the gas turbine transient behavior is developed. The basic principles of the method.