Control Systems in
Aerospace
Introduction to Control
Systems
Crucial Role Autopilot Systems Missile Guidance
Control systems ensure Autopilot systems assist in Missile guidance systems
stability and precision. They aircraft navigation. They rely enhance targeting accuracy.
automate both civil and on advanced feedback They utilize real-time
military operations. mechanisms. computations to function.
Autopilot System
Classification
1 Single-Axis 2 Two-Axis 3 Three-Axis
Controls ailerons for roll Controls pitch and roll for Adds yaw control for full
stabilization. more stability. stabilization.
Autopilot System
Components
Sensors FCC Actuators
Gyroscopes, accelerometers, and The Flight Control Computer Control surfaces like rudders
altimeters acquire flight data. processes sensor inputs. respond to inputs.
Autopilot Working Principle
Sensor Data
Data from sensors feed into the controller.
PID Controller
Employs PID controllers to maintain parameters.
Correction Signals
Generates correction signals to adjust trajectory.
A PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) Controller is used to
regulate system behavior by continuously adjusting output based on
input feedback.
Ensures accurate, stable, and responsive system performance.
Key Components:
1. Input:
○ Sensor feedback from system components (e.g., pressure, flow rate).
2. Processing:
○ PID Controller calculates corrective action using:
■ Proportional (P) – Reacts to the present error.
■ Integral (I) – Accounts for past errors.
■ Derivative (D) – Predicts future errors.
3. Output:
○ Commands sent to actuators or control units to adjust system behavior.
Advancements in
Autopilot Systems
1 AI-Based Autopilot
Uses machine learning for adaptive control.
2 GPS and INS
Integration
Enhances accuracy and reliability in navigation.
Missile Guidance System
Types
Command Inertial Guidance
Guidance
Ground-based control Uses gyroscopes and
directs the missile. accelerometers for
navigation.
Semi-Active and Active
Homing
Uses onboard sensors to track the target.
Missile Guidance
Components
Seeker Guidance Processor Control Actuators
Detects and locks onto the target Computes trajectory corrections in Adjusts fins for direction changes
effectively. real-time. quickly.
Challenges and Future
Trends
Environmental Autonomous Cybersecurity AI-Powered
Disturbances UAVs and Risks Predictive
Drones Control
Turbulence and Self-guided Vulnerabilities in Machine learning
wind affect aircraft for control systems improves
accuracy various missions. pose threats. efficiency greatly.
severely.
Summary of Control Systems in Aerospace
● Role of Control Systems
○ Ensure stability, precision, and automation in aviation and defense.
○ Vital for both civil and military operations.
● Autopilot Systems
○ Single-Axis, Two-Axis, Three-Axis – Increasing levels of control for
roll, pitch, and yaw stabilization.
○ PID Controllers – Process sensor data and generate correction
signals for actuators.
Missile Guidance Systems
● Command, Inertial, Homing – Different types of feedback-based and
open-loop guidance.
● Kalman Filtering – Enhances trajectory prediction and correction.
● Proportional Navigation – Adjusts missile course based on target
movement.
Future Trends and Challenges
● AI-Powered Predictive Control – Real-time learning and adjustment.
● Adaptive and Robust Control – Handling environmental disturbances
and dynamic changes.
● Cybersecurity Risks – Protecting FCC and guidance systems from
hacking.
Conclusion
Autopilot and missile guidance systems are vital. Advancements in AI and
machine learning are key. These systems are becoming more autonomous.
Future developments will improve accuracy and safety.
REFERENCES
● https://gnindia.dronacharya.info/EEE/5thSem/Downloads/ControlSyste
m/Books/CONTROL-SYSTEM-REFERENCE-BOOK-2.pdf?utm_source
● http://docs.znu.ac.ir/members/pirmohamadi_ali/Control/Katsuhiko%20
Ogata%20_%20Modern%20Control%20Engineering%205th%20Editio
n.pdf
● https://www.cmco.com/en-in/resources/duff-norton-blogs/control-syste
ms-in-aerospace-industry/
THANK YOU
