Experimental validation of a helicopter autopilot: Time-varying trajectory tracking

Research in helicopter UAV control is inherently based on testing flight performance in the field. This paper extends preliminary flight test results previously published by the authors and provides a more thorough experimental validation of the helicopter's motion control. A new input model, which includes velocity dependence in the main rotor thrust, is incorporated in the control. Experimental results for translational position control are presented using a number of reference trajectories.