Transition Process Control of Tiltrotor Aircraft Based on Fractional-Order Model Reference Adaptive Control

To address the critical challenge of controlling tiltrotor aircraft during transition mode, this paper proposes a fractional-order model reference adaptive control (FO-MRAC) method based on the unique modeling of the tiltrotor aircraft. A nonlinear model capturing the dynamic characteristics of the tiltrotor aircraft during the transition mode is developed based on an accurate analysis of the forces and moments acting on key components. This model is subsequently linearized to obtain a stable flight envelope. Considering the complexity of transition, the FO-MRAC method is designed based on the shift of the equilibrium point for superior parameter tuning and disturbance rejection. Then, the stability of the closed-loop system is analyzed using the Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, an experimental platform is constructed to verify the validity of the aerodynamic modeling and the designed control method.