Robust Flight Controller Design for Helicopters Based on Genetic Algorithms

With handling qualities requirements ADS-33 taken as design criteria, the robust controller for a helicopter in low-speed forward flight is designed by the use of H∞ mixed sensitivity approach. In the process of designing the controller, genetic algorithms are used to optimize the parameters of weighting functions in order to search for the H∞ controller which meets design specifications in both time domain and frequency domain. A robust flight controller for UH-60A helicopter is synthesized using the proposed technique. The resulting flight control system not only has robust stability, but also satisfies ADS-33D level 1 requirements. Copyright © 2002 IFAC