Nested-Architecture Adaptive Control of the FliteTest Explorer

Predictive cost adaptive control (PCAC) is an indirect adaptive control technique based on recursive least squares for system identification and model predictive control for feedback control. PCAC requires no prior model or data-intensive training; for flight control, PCAC thus removes the need for dynamic inversion, loop shaping, and gain scheduling. This paper investigates the performance of PCAC on a simulation model of the FliteTest Explorer with a nested, multi-input, multi-output (MIMO) control-system architecture. Nominal simulations and scenarios involving unknown, mid-flight changes in the aircraft dynamics are considered.