Historical flight control design case studies and lessons learned, and best practices in selecting control law architecture, specifications, and simulation modeling. Multi-objective parametric optimization design approach, with a focus on how to apply this method to both simple case studies and real-world piloted simulation and flight-test examples. Optimization of classical and modern MIMO control design methods to meet a common set of design requirements and compare the resulting performance and robustness. Step-by-step illustrations of all methods using practical case studies covering the entire design cycle, from selection of design specifications and simulation model to optimization results and robustness analysis. Specific guidelines for specification selection, simulation modeling, control design rules of thumb, robustness analysis, nested-loop architecture optimization, and design margin optimization. Extensive problem sets and a solution guide for classrooms or self-study, giving hands-on real-world experience with methods and results. Student version of CONDUIT(R) for exercises is included.

Reducing the theoretical methods of flight control to design practice, Practical Methods for Aircraft and Rotorcraft Flight Control Design: An Optimization-Based Approach compiles the authors’ extensive experience and lessons learned into a single comprehensive resource for both academics and working flight control engineers.