Flight Control Design for Air Vehicles
Flight Control Design for Air Vehicles (FCD) is a comprehensive technical short course that delves into the principles and processes of creating effective guidance and autopilot algorithms. This course equips participants with the analytical tools needed to explore the fundamentals of control system design, with a focus on air vehicle applications.
Participants will gain expertise in flight control dynamics, guidance strategies, and flight software integration. The curriculum blends theoretical foundations with hands-on applications, ensuring attendees acquire both knowledge and practical experience. Topics include performance analysis, simulation, and testing methodologies essential for developing and optimizing flight control systems.
Whether working on military, commercial, or academic projects, this course provides critical competencies to enhance system performance in high-demand aerospace applications.
- Basic Control Systems
- Theory Review
- Dynamics and Modeling
- Coordinate Frames
- Guidance Algorithms
- Autopilot Development
- Aerodynamic Models
- State Feedback and Pole Placement
- Flexible Structures in Air Vehicles
- Flight Software Integration
- Flight Testing Procedures
This intensive 3-day training program provides participants with an in-depth understanding of flight control design through structured learning:
Day 1: Foundations of Flight Control
- Introduction to flight control systems
- Basic control theory and system dynamics
- Coordinate frames and reference systems
- Fundamentals of guidance algorithms
Day 2: Advanced Flight Control Strategies
- Autopilot design and implementation
- Aerodynamic modeling and stability analysis
- State feedback, pole placement, and control optimization
- Simulation and performance analysis techniques
Day 3: Application & Testing
- Flight software integration and validation
- Testing methodologies for control systems
- Flexible structures and their impact on flight control
- Case studies and real-world applications
To maximize the benefits of this course, participants should have:
- A fundamental understanding of aerospace engineering or a related discipline
- Basic knowledge of control systems and dynamics
- Familiarity with flight mechanics and aerodynamic principles
- Experience with simulation tools (recommended but not required)
This course is designed for flight control engineers, aerospace system designers, UAV developers, missile systems engineers, and aerospace professionals looking to enhance their expertise in flight control design.
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Neal Conrardy
Neal Conrardy is a Senior Engineering Fellow with over 40 years of experience with a demonstrated history of working in the aviation and aerospace industry designing flight control systems.
Neal is an expert in guidance and autopilot design for both commercial and military airframes. He has designed flight control systems for fixed wing, rotary wing, UAVs, missiles, and hypersonic vehicles.
Neal is an industry leader in flight control design, software development tools, and process performance. Neal has designed flight control systems for 25 airframes during his career. The designs that matured into development programs (12 in total) experienced a 100% flight test
We provide on-site short courses for businesses and government organizations. Individuals who wish to attend a course should contact us here.