An autopilot function for landing in fixed wing aircraft

Abstract

The Aim of this thesis is to analyse the modern techniques used to design Autopilot Functions and to design a prototype Autopilot for Landing in Simulink environment. The Design Process used in this thesis will be used to design an Autopilot for an unmanned air vehicle that the department is planning to build in the future. The techniques used in this project include: • Modern Control Techniques used in designing Automatic Flight Control Systems • Modelling of Aircraft behaviour • Linearization of Non-Linear Models • Combining different Controllers into one Autopilot Function The Boeing B-7 4 7 was chosen as the Aircraft to be modelled and base the design upon. The relative Aerodynamic Data for this Aircraft was obtained from text books and reports. A set of Longitudinal and Lateral Controllers were designed and an Autopilot for Landing was obtained by combining all controllers together. The function successfully landed the Model of the B-7 4 7 in a Simulink simulation. The very same approach used in this thesis can be used for any other aircraft as long as its Aerodynamic Derivatives and Geometric properties are known.