Multi-input multi-output system control for experimental aircraft

Results from the synthesis of control laws for an advanced short takeoff aircraft in a low-speed approach flight condition are given. Two of four candidate synthesis techniques are reported: direct eigenspace assignment and explicit model following via a linear quadratic regulator (LQR) formulation. A fundamental objective of this work is to obtain low-order feedback compensators, synthesized via the above techniques, and the judicious use of state estimation, thus allowing the use of a reasonable number of sensors for feedback.