Planar motion steering of underwater vehicles by exploiting drag coefficient modulation

An underwater planar vehicle, actuated by rear thrusters and equipped with longitudinal control surfaces which allow the drag coefficient modulation in the sway direction, is considered in a dynamic setting. The maneuvring controls for the vehicle, in order to reach the required final position and attitude are devised by exploiting both the rear thrusters actuation and the capability offered by the admitted presence of the longitudinal, modulable, control surfaces.