Modeling and control of a small-scale hybrid aircraft

Abstract

Hybrid aircrafts are unique type of aircrafts that combine the hover capability of helicopters with the speed and range of airplanes. In this work, we propose a novel hybrid aircraft based on the fixed-wing airplane and quadrotor structures. A complete mathematical model of the aircraft, in helicopter, transition and airplane flight modes is presented. Furthermore, a nonlinear controller for stabilizing the aircraft at hover is proposed. Finally, simulation results are presented in order to illustrate performances of the proposed controller. © 2011 IFAC.