Application of Parameter Estimation to Aircraft Stability and Control – The Output-Error Approach. Technical Report NASA Reference Publication RP-1168, Research Engineering, NASA Dryden Flight Research Center

Maine, Richard E. and Iliff, Kenneth W. (1986) Application of Parameter Estimation to Aircraft Stability and Control – The Output-Error Approach. Technical Report NASA Reference Publication RP-1168, Research Engineering, NASA Dryden Flight Research Center.

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Abstract

This document examines the practical application of parameter estimation methodology to the problem of estimating aircraft stability and control derivatives from flight test data. The primary purpose of the document is to present a comprehensive and unified picture of the entire parameter estimation process and its integration into a flight test program. The document concentrates on the output-error method to provide a focus for detailed examination and to allow us to give specific examples of situations that have arisen in our experience. The document first derives the aircraft equations of motion in a form suitable for application to estimation of stability and control derivatives. It then discusses the issues that arise in adapting the equations to the limitations of analysis programs, using a specific program for an example. The document then addresses the roles and issues relating to mass distribution data, preflight predictions, maneuver design, flight scheduling, instrumentation sensors, data acquisition systems, and data processing. Finally, the document discusses evaluation and use of the analysis results.

EPrint Type:	Other
Keywords:	Aircraft flight testing, Aircraft stability and control, Maximum likelihood, Parameter estimation
Subjects:	Aircraft/Project: Nonaircraft-specific (01 - 09) Aeronautics: (05) Aircraft Design, Testing And Performance
ID Code:	1027
Deposited On:	26 July 2006
Additional Information:	175 pages. This document was prepared for the AGARD Flight Mechanics Panel, Flight Test Techniques Group, as part of AGARDograph 300, Flight Test Techniques Series.