System identification and control system design for a model helicopter in hover

Abstract

Mini-size UAV development has garnered much research interest in the past few years as they can be easily deployed in the battlefield and the cost is much lower as compared to the bigger size UAV. The aim of this research project is to gain a comprehensive insight into the development of a small UAV system by going through a developmental cycle involving the hardware and software implementation, integration and testing. This research was done using a small radio-controlled model helicopter because it is one of the more challenging aerial vehicle platforms due to its complex flight dynamics.