Stability analysis of flying wing layout aircraft based on radial basis function neural network model

Purpose To ensure the stability of the flying wing layout unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during flight, this paper uses the radial basis function neural network model to analyse the stability of the aforementioned aircraft. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses a linear sliding mode control algorithm to analyse the stability of the UAV's attitude in a level flight state. In addition, a wind-resistant control algorithm based on the estimation of wind disturbance with a radial basis function neural network is proposed. Through the modelling of the flying wing layout UAV, the stability characteristics of a sample UAV are analysed based on the simulation data. The stability characteristics of the sample UAV are analysed based on the simulation data. Findings The simulation results indicate that the UAV with a flying wing layout has a short fuselage, no tail with a horizontal stabilising surface and the aerodynamic focus of the fuselage and the centre of gravity is nearby, which is indicative of longitudinal static instability. In addition, the absence of a drogue tail and the reliance on ailerons and a swept-back angle for stability result in a lack of stability in the transverse direction, whereas the presence of stability in the transverse direction is observed. Originality/value The analysis of the stability characteristics of the sample aircraft provides the foundation for the subsequent establishment of the control model for the flying wing layout UAV.