Maximum Likelihood Estimation: A method for flight dynamics - Angle of attack estimation

In our work we are dealing with aircraft dynamic model identification. Dimensional derivatives are identified with Output Error Method - Maximum Likelihood Estimation. For finding cost function minimum Levenberg-Marquardt Algorithm is used. Fisher Information and Gradient matrices are calculated with small perturbations and central differences formulas. Initial point is estimated with Least Squares Method. Object is treated as rigid body in body fixed coordinate system. Coordinate system transformations are done with Euler rotations theorem. Equations of motion are obtained in a typical way for flight dynamics, from: Newton's law of motion, kinematics equations and small disturbances theory. Additional terms due to process noise (turbulence) are also included.