Exploring research on high-speed vehicle attitude control with plasma virtual flap manipulation

This work provides an attitude solution for a high-speed vehicle using plasma aerodynamic control called “plasma virtual flap” manipulation. This paper describes the concept of using plasma active control as plasma virtual flap for off-design attitude manipulation problem. Design of an attitude controller considering plasma aerodynamic effects for the high-speed vehicle is presented. The aerodynamic lift and drag force features in the high speed, long duration cruise flight with plasma actuator effect are introduced, where the estimated models and attitude controller are established. This paper documents the development and capabilities of plasma virtual flap attitude control authority. Simulation results are presented to exhibit the effectiveness of the proposed method.