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Review Article Volume 10 Issue 3
Robust nonlinear spatial trajectory control of F/A18 model
Keum W Lee, Kaushik Raj, Sahjendra N Singh
Received: August 12, 2026 | Published: August 24, 2026
Citation: Lee KW, Raj K, Singh SN. Robust nonlinear spatial trajectory control of F/A-18 model. Aeron Aero Open Access J. 2026;10(3):145-153. DOI: 10.15406/aaoaj.2026.10.00262
Abstract
This article proposes a novel hybrid two-layer control architecture for 3‑D spatial trajectory (x, y, z) tracking of a F/A-18 aircraft model under parametric uncertainties. First, an outer loop control subsystem is designed based on sliding mode control (SMC) theory. This SMC subsystem accomplishes spatial trajectory (x, y, z) and sideslip angle β control using angular velocity vector—comprising roll rate p, pitch rate q, and yaw rate r - as virtual control input, in conjunction with the derivative of the thrust Tx . Second, a composite inner loop control subsystem, including (i) a geometric homogeneity-based finite-time control law and (ii) a super-twisting (STW) control law, is developed. The inner loop control subsystem is designed to control aircraft roll, pitch, and yaw angular velocities (p, q, r) using aileron, elevator, and rudder control surfaces. The inner loop control subsystem achieves finite-time convergence of the actual (p, q, r) to the computed virtual angular rates derived for the outer loop control. Lyapunov analysis establishes the closed-loop system’s stability. Simulation results for a 1800 climbing turn and helical path-following exhibit precise trajectory tracking performance against large parametric uncertainties.
Keywords: hybrid two-layer flight control, F/A-18 aircraft, super-twisting (STW) control, robust finite-time control, 3-D spatial trajectory control, uncertain nonlinear systems
©2026 Lee, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.